Premier Doug Ford has secured a third consecutive majority government in Ontario, reinforcing his Progressive Conservative Party’s dominance in Canada’s most populous province. In a fiery victory speech on Thursday night, Ford took direct aim at U.S. President Donald Trump, vowing to fight back against proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
“Donald Trump thinks he can break us,” Ford declared to a cheering crowd in Toronto. “He thinks he can divide and conquer, pit region against region. But Canada is not for sale.”
Ford’s campaign centered around economic sovereignty, with the slogan “Protect Canada”, emphasizing his commitment to defending Ontario’s industries, jobs, and economy from U.S. trade measures. His government is projected to have won more than 80 out of 124 seats, securing a strong mandate to govern.
Ford’s re-election campaign largely revolved around his promise to protect Ontario’s economic future amid growing trade tensions with the U.S. His strong stance comes as Trump prepares to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports, a move that could devastate Ontario’s manufacturing and automotive industries.
The automotive sector, which employs hundreds of thousands of Ontarians, is particularly vulnerable, as it relies on a deeply integrated supply chain with the U.S. Ford has warned that if the U.S. follows through on a proposed 25% blanket tariff, as many as 500,000 Ontarians could lose their jobs.
In recent months, Ford has become a vocal critic of Trump’s trade policies, frequently appearing on U.S. news networks as a de facto spokesman for Canada’s position in the tariff dispute. His proposals to counter the tariffs include:
- Retaliatory economic measures, including cutting Ontario’s energy supply to the U.S.
- A boycott on American alcohol, calling on provincial liquor stores to remove U.S.-made products from their shelves.
- Advancing the idea of “Fortress Am-Can”, a concept aimed at convincing Trump to strengthen U.S.-Canada energy ties to avoid tariffs.
Ford’s third consecutive majority win makes him the first Ontario premier since Leslie Frost in 1959 to achieve such a feat. His ability to expand his mandate amid controversy and economic uncertainty highlights his political resilience.
However, with the looming U.S. tariff crisis, ongoing investigations, and a divided electorate, Ford’s third term is expected to be his most challenging yet. His leadership in navigating Ontario through trade disputes, economic headwinds, and political scrutiny will shape his long-term legacy.