Ford: “Let the People Decide” on Stimulus Spending Amid Trump’s Tariff Threat
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has remained tight-lipped on the possibility of calling an early election, emphasizing that any decision on potential stimulus spending in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats should be left to the people.
Speaking at a news conference Monday, Ford addressed questions regarding bipartisan support for economic measures, should the proposed U.S. tariffs take effect. When asked whether such support might render an election unnecessary, Ford reiterated the need for public approval.
“Marit Stiles and Bonnie Crombie may not think it’s important to get a mandate from the people before spending tens of billions of dollars, but I do,” Ford said. “If it comes to that, we go to the people. Let them decide.”
The next Ontario election is scheduled for June 2026. However, speculation has grown about an early election as Ford refrained from committing to the timeline, stating, “Let’s see what happens on January 20,” referring to Trump’s impending inauguration.
Trump has proposed a 25 per cent tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, linking it to concerns about the illegal flow of drugs and migrants across borders. Ford described these tariffs as potentially catastrophic for Ontario’s economy, stating that “the bullseye is on the backs of hardworking workers.”
The premier also warned of significant retaliatory measures, including cutting off energy exports that power 1.5 million homes in Michigan, New York, and Minnesota. “We will not stand idly by if Trump’s tariffs target our economy,” he vowed.
Ford’s comments drew sharp criticism from Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie, who accused him of using Trump’s actions as a pretext for an early election. “Trump’s tariffs are a threat, not an excuse for an illegitimate election call,” she said.
New Democratic Party leader Marit Stiles echoed Crombie’s concerns, urging Ford to focus on his current mandate. “Your job is to fight like hell for every job in Ontario,” she said. “We’re ready to work with you. There’s no need to go to the polls.”
Polling Shows PC Lead but Liberal Gains
Amid election speculation, a new Liaison Strategies poll indicates Ford’s Progressive Conservatives lead with 40 per cent support among decided and leaning voters. The Liberals, led by Crombie, garnered 30 per cent—a three-point increase from the previous week—while Stiles’ NDP sits at 21 per cent.
David Valentin, principal at Liaison Strategies, noted the factors potentially influencing voter sentiment. These include Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation, Trump’s controversial policies, and Ford’s openness to an early election. “Whether the Liberals’ gains are sustainable remains uncertain,” Valentin said, highlighting that one in five voters remains undecided.
The survey, conducted with 1,202 Ontarians, has a margin of error of ±2.82 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
With Ontario’s economy potentially at stake, the provincial government faces critical decisions in the weeks ahead. Whether Ford calls an early election or chooses to navigate the challenges with his current mandate, all eyes remain on the premier as the situation unfolds.