U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario, in remarks that also targeted Canada’s leadership and trade ties with the United States.

Ontario is Canada’s largest province and home to much of the country’s manufacturing sector, which makes it a key player in any cross-border dispute involving trade, energy, or electricity flows.

In a post, Trump wrote:

Lots of “bluster” from Doug Ford, who is the Premier of the Canadian Province of Ontario, but who is better known as the less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother of the late, great, Rob Ford. America has been carrying Canada for decades, but no longer! The U.S.A. will always be far bigger, richer, and stronger than Canada. Without the United States, Canada couldn’t survive — It’s where they get all of their money and, because of their current bad leadership, primarily Governor Carney, and his Flunky, Ford, they will not be allowed to keep taking advantage of the United States — Their key to survival. Remember, much of the Electricity, Oil, and Gas that Canada gets is transported through the U.S.A. Someone should get these clowns to “fall in line” or, the consequences for Canada will be far WORSE! Canada’s Unemployment Rate is now at 10%, and rapidly rising. Their businesses are fleeing for the United States, and it’s all because of their failed policies, and inept leadership! The days of ripping off our Farmers, and other Businesses, are OVER! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP

The reference to Rob Ford drew attention because Rob Ford was formerly mayor of Toronto. Doug Ford is a noted teetotaller.

The remarks also raised questions about potential pressure on cross-border infrastructure, including pipelines and other lines that run between the two countries. One example is Line 5, which has been the subject of a long-running legal dispute involving Enbridge and U.S. courts.

Earlier, Ford said Trump “can kiss my ass” and said Ronald Reagan would be “throwing up” over Trump’s policies. Ford also said Canada should be prepared to cut electricity exports to the U.S., underscoring how trade tensions are increasingly spilling into energy policy.

In currency markets, USD/CAD was last up 93 pips at 1.3857, having edged higher in the U.S. afternoon on a broader bid for the dollar.

For context, Canada’s unemployment rate is 6.4%. Canada also counts several groups as unemployed that the U.S. non-farm payrolls report generally treats as outside the labor force, which typically reduces the figure by about 1 percentage point.