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Speaking from the Darlington nuclear generating station, Ford responded to the U.S. president-elect’s musings about absorbing Canada and eliminating what Trump has called an “artificial” border line between the two nations.

Ford said the U.S. relies on Canadian mineral and energy exports, including Ontario’s energy grid that sends enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes in the states of Michigan, New York and Minnesota.

Instead of targeting Canada for bad trade deals, Ford suggested Trump should focus efforts on China and Mexico when seeking a better deal for American consumers and workers.

“I’m on the phone every single day with governors, congresspeople and senators,” Ford said at Wednesday’s livestreamed media availability. “Not once have they said Canada is the problem. China is the problem. They’re shipping in cheap parts into Mexico and Mexico is slapping a ‘Made in Mexico’ sticker on it, shipping it up though the U.S. and Canada, costing American and Canadian jobs. That’s unacceptable.”

Fortress-Am-Can alliance

Ford has coined the phrase “Fortress Am-Can,” an energy alliance between the U.S. and Canada. Ford said the alliance would respect each country’s independence and economic co-operation.

“Together, let’s stop wasting time and ridiculous ideas (talking) about merging, and instead focus on efforts, on restoring the pride of Made in Canada and Made in USA,” Ford told reporters.

Refurbish nuclear reactors at Darlington and Pickering

Citing work to refurbish nuclear reactors at Darlington and Pickering, as well as new transmission lines and pipelines, Ford said the U.S. and Canada should work together to cut red tape.

“Our country is not for sale. It will never be for sale. But I think that if we work together, (and) have an incredible trade deal, we can be the richest, wealthiest, prosperous and safest jurisdiction,” Ford added. “Let’s be unapologetic as we stand up for Canadian and American workers against the world. Together, let’s usher in a new American and Canadian century.”

While he could use “economic force” to annex Canada and stated the U.S. doesn’t need Canadian goods, Ford said he disagrees.

“You can’t go it alone,” Ford said.

Referencing the tariff threat, Ford noted: “If this goes through, these tariffs, it’s going to hurt millions of Americans, it’s going to hurt millions of Canadian jobs. It’s better we work together, take on the world and we’re unstoppable.”

Watch Ford’s news conference

At Wednesday’s announcement, Ford also called upon the federal government to increase military investments to meet NATO funding commitments and implement its border security plan, including permanent funding increases for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency to put more boots at the border.

“We need highly visible activity to give our U.S. allies the confidence they need that we’re doing our part,” said Ford.

Operation Deterrence for illegal-border activities

The premier said Ontario is doing its part by launching Operation Deterrence, a plan to crackdown on illegal cross-border activities. The initiative includes 200 dedicated Ontario Provincial Police officers who will work alongside front line and specialty officers with access to drones, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, boats, off-road vehicles and foot patrols.