Ford triggers snap election

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called a snap election for Feb. 27 to address the threat of tariffs coming from the US.
Ontarians will be heading to the polls in less than a month.
Ont. Premier Doug Ford has officially called an early provincial election for Feb. 27, more than a year ahead of schedule.
The Premier advised Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Edith Dumont to dissolve Parliament on Jan. 28 in order to trigger the election.
The Lieutenant Governor also requested the issuance of writs for the general election on Jan. 29 and designated Feb. 27 as the date for Ontario’s upcoming general election.
Ford stated that this decision was essential to obtaining a strong mandate for addressing possible economic challenges arising from US President Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports. Ford cautioned that these tariffs could adversely affect Ontario’s economy, especially its manufacturing sector. With nearly 40 per cent of Canada’s population living in Ontario, the province would be significantly impacted if the tariffs take effect.
“The attack is coming against our families, our businesses, our communities, and with a strong mandate, we will be able to fight with Donald Trump,” Ford stated on Jan. 24, when he first announced his decision to call an early provincial election.
Ford is seeking his third consecutive majority for the Progressive Conservatives, following victories in 2018 and 2022. He has taken a proactive role in opposing the proposed tariffs, considering retaliatory measures such as cutting off power supplies to the US and banning American alcohol products if necessary.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner have criticized the decision to call an election more than a year early, deeming it a frivolous expenditure of time and resources.
“Doug Ford’s Ontario has failed you,” Crombie said in a statement. “He’s wasting $175 million on an early election instead of using it to fix our broken health care system and make your life more affordable.”
Stiles, meanwhile, said Ford is prioritizing his political goals by suspending the provincial legislature to call an early election.
“While the people of Ontario are anxious about the grave threat of tariffs, Doug Ford is pursuing his own political gain. People need a Premier who will fight like hell for every single job that’s at risk, not run to the polls over a year early,” Stiles said.
Ford stated his intention to remain active as Premier during the campaign period, planning a visit to Washington, DC in February with other leaders.
As the election date approaches, Ontarians are encouraged to engage with the political process, familiarize themselves with party platforms, and participate in the democratic process. The outcome of this election will play a crucial role in determining how the province navigates the impending economic challenges and shapes its future trajectory of the province.