Premier Doug Ford's decision to call a snap election in Ontario, citing the need for a fresh mandate to address the potential economic impacts of a Donald Trump presidency, has sent shockwaves through the province. The election, set for February 27th, comes as a surprise to many, as the next scheduled election was in June 2026. Ford's move has sparked debate over the timing and necessity of the election, with opposition parties accusing him of being opportunistic.
Premier Doug Ford intends to call a snap election next Wednesday, sending Ontarians to the polls on February 27th. Two senior government sources, speaking anonymously to allow for candid discussion of internal deliberations, say Ford made the decision for this rare winter election after months of deliberation.
The election had originally been scheduled for June 2026, but Ford has argued that he requires a fresh mandate to address the potential ramifications of a Donald Trump presidency in the United States. Ford anticipates that Trump tariffs, particularly affecting Ontario's auto sector, could necessitate tens of billions of dollars in spending to mitigate economic fallout and protect hundreds of thousands of jobs. Opposition parties contend that an early election is unnecessary as they would support stimulus spending, and Ford, currently leading a majority government, already possesses the mandate to safeguard Ontario's interests. Prior to the looming trade war with the United States, housing and healthcare, especially the shortage of family doctors, were positioned as key campaign issues by the opposition. These concerns remain prominent amidst ongoing tariff discussions. All political parties have been preparing for the possibility of an early election since last spring. Ford's acceleration of beer and wine sales expansion to corner stores, a $225 million expenditure, fueled speculation about a planned early vote. He refused to dismiss this possibility. Election speculation intensified in the fall as Ford continued to evade direct answers, stating he wouldn't hold an election 'this year' or in 2024, without providing a specific reason for considering a 2025 election. Opposition politicians accused Ford of being opportunistic and seeking an election before a federal vote, where polls indicated a strong lead for Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative Party of Canada, poised to defeat Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government. Ontario has historically leaned towards electing governments with different political orientations than the federal government. The opposition, led by NDP Leader Marit Stiles, newly appointed Ontario Liberal Party Leader Bonnie Crombie, and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, also alleged that Ford attempted to hold an election before the conclusion of an RCMP investigation into the government's decision to open parts of the protected Greenbelt to development. Although Ford subsequently reversed the Greenbelt plan, the controversy led to resignations, including that of then-housing minister Steve Clark and his chief of staff.In the provincial government's fall economic statement, Ford announced a $3-billion plan to distribute $200 cheques to every Ontario taxpayer and their children in early 2025, framing it as a measure to alleviate the ongoing affordability crisis. However, the opposition dismissed it as a vote-buying scheme preceding an election. Following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2020, Ford took a leading role among Canadian premiers as they urged Ottawa to prepare for the incoming president. Trump pledged to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, a threat that remains, although it hasn't materialized. Trudeau's Liberal government faced turmoil in mid-December with Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's resignation. Weeks later, Trudeau announced the prorogation of Parliament and his step down as Liberal leader while the party conducted a leadership race. A new federal Liberal leader is scheduled to be chosen on March 9th, and federal opposition parties have pledged to trigger an election if Parliament reconvenes as planned on March 24th. This leaves Ford with a limited window to conduct a provincial election before a likely federal campaign. Recently, Ford publicly articulated his justification for considering an early election, stating that he requires a 'mandate' from the people to authorize billions of dollars in spending should the threatened tariffs materialize. This messaging shifted this week. When Trump did not impose tariffs on his first day in office as many anticipated, Ford rephrased his stance, claiming he needed a new mandate to address not only tariffs but the implications of a four-year American presidency
Ontario Election Doug Ford Snap Election Donald Trump Tariffs Federal Election Conservative Party Liberal Party RCMP Investigation Greenbelt
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Highlights Energy Partnership Amid Trump's ThreatsOntario Premier Doug Ford is emphasizing Ontario's energy sector's strength to create jobs and revenue on both sides of the border in response to incoming U.S. president Donald Trump's threat to acquire Canada.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Uninjured After Highway 401 CollisionOntario Premier Doug Ford was unharmed after an OPP vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on Highway 401. The collision occurred as Ford was leaving a press conference at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. Ford said the vehicle he was in was 'sideswiped' and the other driver ended up on the other side of the highway.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Uninjured in Highway 401 CollisionOntario Premier Doug Ford was involved in a car accident on Highway 401 in Pickering, but emerged unharmed.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Doug Ford safe after vehicle collision: officeOntario Premier Doug Ford speaks to the media during the fall meetings of Canada's premiers hosted by Ontario in Toronto on Dec. 16, 2024.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Doug Ford's Vehicle Involved in CollisionOntario Premier Doug Ford's vehicle was involved in a collision in Durham Region on Wednesday. Despite the accident, Ford and his staff are reported to be unharmed.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Uninjured After Highway 401 CollisionPremier Ford was involved in a car accident on Highway 401 while traveling in an OPP vehicle. He sustained no injuries, but the other driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. An 18-year-old was charged with dangerous driving.
Read more »