VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The head of Ontario, the most populous province in Canada, announced on Wednesday the commencement of a snap election, citing the necessity for a strong four-year mandate to counter the impending tariffs proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Doug Ford, who leads the Progressive Conservative Party, expressed that the 25% tariffs threatened by Trump could severely impact Canada’s economy and result in significant job losses in Ontario.
“The people of our province, similar to citizens across Canada, are navigating challenging times,” Ford remarked during a gathering in Windsor, Ontario. “I am reaching out to the people of Ontario for their trust. I’m asking for a robust and stable four-year mandate to protect our province.”
This trigger for an election will see Ontarians voting on February 27, a date set over a year ahead of the previously scheduled election in June 2026. Ford currently governs with a substantial majority, holding 79 of the 124 seats in the Ontario legislature.
In light of Trump’s threat to initiate tariffs on Canadian goods, which are set to take effect imminently, the White House press secretary indicated that the proposal remains in motion.
“This is simply a game to the president,” Ford said, likening his position to that of a U.S. state governor. “He aims to divide and conquer.”
The provincial government is prepared to invest “tens of billions of dollars” to safeguard jobs and maintain economic stability in Ontario, a key hub for manufacturing and the automobile industry.
“We are committed to battling these tariffs with every resource at our disposal,” Ford affirmed.
He also highlighted plans for significant retaliatory tariffs on American goods entering Canada and mentioned that, should Trump impose tariffs, he would instruct Ontario’s liquor control board to eliminate all American-made alcohol from store shelves.
Trump previously suggested that Canada could evade tariffs by becoming the 51st state and has made erroneous claims regarding a $200 billion trade deficit with Canada.
Opposition parties criticize Ford for calling this early election, positing that he is attempting to preempt any possible repercussions from a police investigation into his now-abandoned scheme to develop environmentally protected lands.
According to Elections Ontario, the independent office responsible for overseeing provincial elections, the costs related to this election are projected to be around Canadian $189 million (approximately $131 million).
Bonnie Crombie, leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, argued that these funds would be better allocated towards health care and affordable housing.
“This election isn’t warranted,” Crombie stated at a news conference on Wednesday. “He is merely trying to hold onto power.”
Political science professor Daniel Beland from Montreal’s McGill University commented on Ford’s approach as a “calculated risk,” suggesting that the fragmented opposition, which includes the Liberals and the New Democratic Party, could inadvertently assist Ford in retaining his position, especially if his campaign is effectively managed.
The impending Ontario election coincides with the federal Liberal Party’s search for a new leader to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation on January 6. Trump will remain in his role until a new leader is installed, anticipated by March 9.
The potential new Liberal leader could become the shortest-serving prime minister in Canadian history, as all three opposition parties have pledged to trigger a no-confidence vote against the Liberals’ minority government when parliament resumes on March 24, which could lead to a spring election.
“We require strong leadership that can navigate the challenges ahead amidst the current chaos in Ottawa,” Ford asserted.
“Trump’s threats are persistent, particularly now as the federal government has left Canada vulnerable and adrift. We need a mandate that can endure beyond the Trump administration.”
