Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives (PCs) have amassed a significant financial advantage, raising over $10.6 million in 2024, according to Elections Ontario data. This positions the party well ahead of their rivals as speculation of a snap election continues to swirl at Queen’s Park.
The PCs’ impressive fundraising total dwarfs the Ontario Liberal Party’s $2.5 million and the NDP’s $2.3 million, as recorded by the provincial agency. Even when accounting for donations not captured by Elections Ontario’s figures, the Liberals and NDP reported total fundraising of $5.4 million and $5.3 million respectively, still falling short of the Tories. The Green Party raised $1.2 million but said their total contributions reached $2 million when all sources were included.
Political strategists note the PCs’ financial advantage allows for an aggressive advertising campaign that could shape voter perceptions ahead of an election.
“We’re already seeing plenty of ads featuring the premier,” said conservative strategist Dan Mader of Loyalist Public Affairs. “With this kind of funding, the Tories can dominate television, online, and social media platforms to set the narrative.”
Former Liberal cabinet minister John Milloy echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of sustained advertising.
“You can’t just run a clever ad a few times; it has to be constant to stick with voters,” Milloy said. “The party with the deepest pockets has the ability to reinforce its message where it matters, like major sporting events.”
In addition to fundraising, the PCs benefit from Ontario’s taxpayer-funded per-vote subsidy, which provides funding based on votes received in the last election. The Tories received $4.9 million in 2024 under this system, more than the Liberals ($2.9 million), NDP ($2.8 million), and Greens ($712,000). The subsidy, initially set to end in 2024, was extended to 2026 with all-party agreement.
The combination of robust fundraising and the per-vote subsidy gives the PCs a substantial war chest for campaign expenses, including advertising, travel, and campaign materials.
The financial disparity presents challenges for opposition parties seeking to counter the government’s narrative.
NDP strategist Mélanie Richer emphasized that fundraising directly impacts voter perception.
“The party with the most cash can define both itself and its opponents,” Richer said. “By election time, public opinion is already largely shaped.”
Milloy noted that the cost of running an effective campaign goes beyond ads, highlighting rising expenses for campaign office rentals and other logistics.
While Ford has not confirmed an election, rumours persist amid escalating tensions with the U.S., including President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports.
Observers believe the PCs are positioning themselves for an early election, leveraging their financial and governmental advantages to solidify support.
As Ontario’s political parties gear up for a potential campaign, the PCs’ dominant fundraising position could prove decisive in shaping the province’s electoral landscape.