Premier Cites Need for ‘Strong Mandate’ Amid Potential U.S. Tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford may trigger an early provincial election as soon as next week, according to two sources close to the government. The move could see the campaign period launch as early as the first week of February, in accordance with Ontario’s election law, which mandates campaigns begin on a Wednesday.
Ford has emphasized that a new mandate is crucial to address the potential economic fallout of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Despite holding a large majority at Queen’s Park, Ford argues a fresh mandate is necessary to secure Ontario’s economic future.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ford hinted at the upcoming election, stating, “We need a mandate from the people to possibly spend billions of dollars to protect jobs, businesses, and communities. The stronger the mandate, the better. That’s democracy.”
Ford’s chief of staff, Patrick Sackville, echoed this sentiment in an internal email to Progressive Conservative staff, stressing the need for a “strong mandate to stand up for Ontario.”
When asked about the timing of the election, Ford told reporters to “stay tuned,” adding off the record, “You guys are going to love it.”
Opposition leaders have criticized the rationale behind the snap election, arguing Ford already has a clear mandate with more than a year left in his term.
“Doug Ford is the premier of Ontario with a majority government. He can pass any legislation he wants,” said NDP Leader Marit Stiles, accusing the premier of distracting Ontarians from issues such as the province’s strained health-care system.
“This isn’t about standing up to Trump,” Stiles added. “This is about Mr. Ford wanting to gain more seats in the middle of winter.”
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie called the potential election unnecessary and disruptive, especially during a time when the province needs to present a united front against economic threats.
“Trump’s tariffs should be treated as a serious challenge, not an excuse to throw Ontario into chaos with an early election,” Crombie said during a speech at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference.
Ford’s government has been facing election rumors since last spring, long before Trump’s electoral victory. Adding fuel to the speculation are the $200 rebate cheques being sent to Ontarians, which Crombie described as a “pre-election bribe.”
While Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, declined to speculate on election timing, he emphasized the government’s focus on safeguarding Ontario jobs. “We are laser-focused on protecting Ontario workers in light of the looming tariff threat,” Fedeli said during a funding announcement in Toronto.
Ontario’s fixed-date election law allows the premier to dissolve the legislature and call an election anytime within their four-year mandate. The Election Act requires the election writ to be dated on a Wednesday, launching a 28-day campaign period.
Ford has yet to make a formal announcement, but with mounting pressure and rumors swirling, Ontarians may soon find themselves heading to the polls far earlier than anticipated.