Ontario votes in February as Ford seeks mandate to tackle US tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced an early provincial election, citing the need for a renewed mandate to combat potential tariffs from US President Donald Trump.
According to BNN Bloomberg, Ford confirmed on Friday that voters in Canada’s most populous province will head to the polls in late February.
This decision marks the second significant political shift in Canada tied to Trump’s return to power.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation following the departure of his finance minister, who cited disagreements over how to prepare for the new US administration.
Ford has been vocal about retaliating against a potential trade war initiated by Trump.
“You can’t let someone hit you over the head with a sledgehammer without hitting them back twice as hard, in my opinion,” he stated earlier this month.
The premier has proposed measures such as limiting energy exports to the US if necessary and accused Mexico of being “a backdoor” for Chinese goods.
“We need a mandate from the people to fight against Donald Trump’s tariffs,” Ford told reporters. “He’s coming against our businesses and communities, and with a strong mandate, we will be able to fight with Donald Trump to make sure we stop the tariffs.”
Trump has threatened 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, a move that could significantly impact Ontario, which accounts for 40 percent of Canada’s economic output.
With its financial and manufacturing sectors tightly linked to US states like Michigan and Kentucky, the province faces substantial risks.
Ford has also outlined plans to appeal to Trump’s policy goals. His proposals include strengthening Ontario’s security near the Canada-US border and developing a critical minerals supply chain.
Over the past two months, Ford has highlighted the mutual benefits of trade in media appearances and discussions with US officials.
In a December interview with Bloomberg News, he noted, “The only people that win is China on a disagreement between Canada and the US.”
Ford, 60, has led Ontario since 2018, with his Progressive Conservative Party maintaining a majority throughout. Although the next provincial election was scheduled for 2026, Ford aims to capitalise on his party’s current polling lead.
Bonnie Crombie, leader of the Liberal Party of Ontario, criticised Ford for prioritising an early election over addressing critical issues.
Crombie, 64, accused him of using fears of Trump and a trade war for political advantage, stating, “The premier has spent the 76 days since Trump was reelected preparing for an unnecessary early election rather than coming up with a plan to help you and your family.”
Crombie’s career includes roles at Walt Disney Co., McDonald’s Corp., and the Insurance Bureau of Canada, along with her tenure as Mississauga’s mayor until 2023.
Ford says 500,000 jobs may be at risk from Trump's tariff threats.
— Marit Stiles (@MaritStiles) January 14, 2025
So why is he worried about only one job—his own? Doug Ford needs to put the good of the province ahead of his own political interests and shelve his early election plans.
Ontario's New Democrats are ready to… https://t.co/A3G4dQQlYs
Marit Stiles, leader of the New Democratic Party, also expressed concerns. Stiles, 55, emphasised the potential job losses due to a trade war, stating on social media, “The premier needs to focus on the 500,000 jobs at risk, not his own.”
The early election sets the stage for Ontarians to vote twice in a short span, as a federal election is expected soon after Parliament resumes in late March.
