Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggests he needs a new mandate to handle potential trade conflicts with the United States under President Donald Trump's administration. Ford's comments signal a possible early election in Ontario.
TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has hinted strongly at the possibility of calling an early provincial election, stating that he requires a fresh mandate to navigate the anticipated challenges posed by a four-year term under U.S. President Donald Trump. Ontario's next scheduled provincial election is set for June 2026, but Ford has been progressively suggesting the potential for a vote sooner. On Monday, Ford appeared to move closer to that possibility.
'We need a clear mandate — not for tomorrow, not for the next day, for four years of dealing with our American friends,' Ford said. Trump, in his inaugural address, did not explicitly mention Canada or his threat of imposing 25 percent tariffs, despite earlier warnings that tariffs could be implemented on Day 1. However, Trump later suggested those tariffs could be enforced on February 1st. A representative from the incoming U.S. administration indicated that the president will instruct federal agencies to investigate trade issues, including what he perceives as unfair trade and currency practices by Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump's speech also emphasized boosting American manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector. Ford expressed concern that the situation had escalated since the inauguration. 'I feel he's going to be targeting Canada, specifically Ontario, because we're the manufacturing might, and it's very concerning,' he said. This signals a shift in Ford's messaging from earlier this month, when he suggested the need for a new mandate to counteract the effects of tariffs once implemented. 'I think if it comes to it, and we have to spend tens of billions of dollars, we go to the people, let the people decide,' he stated a week ago. NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford's argument for a new mandate to address Trump's threats, which she deemed as illogical given Ford's current position as premier. 'You're the premier of the province,' she asserted. 'This is your mandate. It is your job every single day to fight for every single Ontarian and their jobs.
ONTARIO ELECTION TRUMP TRADE THREATS DOUG FORD CANADA-US RELATIONS TRADE POLICY
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