Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont has officially dissolved the provincial parliament following Premier Doug Ford’s request, triggering an early election set to take place on February 27, 2025. The move, coming more than a year ahead of the scheduled election, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders who accuse Ford of prioritizing political gain over governance.
- Parliament Dissolved: The official dissolution of parliament occurred at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the start of a 28-day campaign period.
- Election Date: Ontarians will head to the polls on February 27, the fifth Thursday after the writ drops, as per provincial election law.
- Campaign Trail Begins: Party leaders will hit the campaign trail starting Wednesday to court voters during this shortened election cycle.
Premier Doug Ford’s decision to call an early election has been met with sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accuse him of wasting public resources and ignoring pressing provincial issues:
Crombie called the early election a waste of $175 million, arguing that the funds should have been directed toward critical issues like health care and affordability.
- Promises from Crombie’s platform include:
- Guaranteeing access to a family doctor.
- Cutting taxes on paycheques and home heating.
- Building affordable housing.
In her statement, Crombie emphasized, “As Premier, I’ll deliver More For You by addressing the real issues Ontarians face daily.”
- Stiles accused Ford of exploiting Ontarians’ anxieties about looming U.S. tariffs for political advantage.
- She pledged to fight for jobs at risk due to economic challenges, positioning the NDP as a defender of workers’ interests.
- Stiles added, “This is a time for leadership, not games. Ontarians deserve a premier who will fight for every job and every family.”
Stiles framed the election as an opportunity to “turn the page on Doug Ford” and build a better future for Ontario.
Doug Ford defended his decision to call an early election, pointing to the economic risks posed by potential tariffs from the United States and the need for a strong mandate to protect Ontario’s economy.
- Ford reiterated his commitment to “protect the people of Ontario in every single sector” and vowed to outlast President Trump’s economic challenges with robust policies.
The early election sets the stage for a highly charged campaign, with key issues likely to include:
- Health Care: Access to family doctors and fixing long wait times.
- Affordability: Rising housing costs, inflation, and affordability concerns.
- Jobs and Economy: Ford’s handling of potential tariffs and his ability to safeguard Ontario’s economy.
- Environmental and Transportation Policies: Opposition to Ford’s removal of bike lanes and concerns over urban planning.
The campaign promises to be a battle between Ford’s Progressive Conservatives, Crombie’s Liberals, and Stiles’ NDP, with all parties vying to secure voter confidence in a time of economic uncertainty
As the campaign officially begins on Wednesday, Ontarians can expect a flurry of promises, debates, and rallies in the lead-up to the February 27 vote. This early election will test the political landscape of Ontario, with affordability, health care, and economic resilience at the forefront of voters’ minds.