Ontario Premier Doug Ford has officially requested the dissolution of the Legislature kicking off a provincial election, with Election Day slated for February 27, 2025. Premier Ford is seeking a third consecutive majority for his Progressive Conservative Party, just over a year ahead of the pre-scheduled election, to secure ”the largest mandate in Ontario’s history.” This decision comes amid escalating tensions with the United States over proposed tariffs.
The Context
The announcement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal of a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, set to take effect later this week. Ford has labelled this move as an “attack” on Ontario’s economy, emphasizing the province’s significant manufacturing sector and its vulnerability to such tariffs. He has made numerous public comments over the course of January that a strong mandate is essential to take the aggressive actions necessary to counteract the potential economic fallout.
Premier Ford currently holds a large majority in the legislature, with 79 of the 124 seats. The NDP has 28 seats and is the Official Opposition, while the Ontario Liberals currently hold nine seats and do not have official party status in the Legislature. The Green Party holds two seats—a record for that party in Ontario—and six members sit as independents.
The Players
- Premier Doug Ford leads the Progressive Conservative Party, aiming to secure a third term. He has been vocal against the proposed U.S. tariffs, positioning himself as a defender of Ontario’s economic interests.
- Opposition parties, including the Ontario Liberal Party led by Bonnie Crombie and the New Democratic Party, led by Marit Stiles, have criticized Ford’s decision to call an early election. They argue that it serves as a distraction at a time when the Premier already holds a large mandate in the Legislature. This will be the first general election fought by both major opposition party leaders since both the Liberals and NDP held leadership elections after the 2022 election.
The Issues
The primary issue is the impending U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on Ontario’s economy. Ford has proposed retaliatory measures, such as cutting off power supplies to the U.S. and banning American alcohol products from the LCBO, to respond to the effects that U.S. tariffs would have on Ontario. Premier Ford will likely seek to frame the ballot question as being about who voters believe has the strength and experience to stand up to President Trump.
In addition to discussions about U.S. tariffs, the Premier has also focused on his record-building infrastructure, including many new rapid transit lines, the new Highway 413 project, and hospital infrastructure. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have contended that calling an early election is a move by the Ontario PCs to get ahead of potential bad press between now and the scheduled election date of June 2026.
What the Government is Saying
“We’re entering a period of unprecedented economic risk and lengthy negotiations – against President Trump and with the federal government and other provinces. Responding to this challenge will demand extraordinary action: the need to invest tens of billions of dollars in unplanned spending and tough choices about making Ontario’s economy the most competitive place to invest, create jobs and do business. To protect Ontario, I’m asking the people for a strong mandate — a strong, stable, four-year mandate that will outlive and outlast the Trump administration.” — Premier Doug Ford, leader of the Ontario PC Party
What the Opposition is Saying
“Doug Ford’s Ontario has failed you. He’s wasting $175 million on an early election instead of using it to fix our broken healthcare system and make your life more affordable. As Premier, I’ll deliver More For You by guaranteeing you’ll have a family doctor, cutting taxes on your paycheque and home heating, and building homes you can afford.” — Bonnie Crombie, leader of the Ontario Liberal Party
“Ford thinks that he can call an early election to escape his record of failure on housing, health care, education and affordability. We won’t let him.” – Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario NDP
What to Expect
Election Day is scheduled for February 27, which means the campaign will be just under a month in length. The party leaders will spend almost the entire campaign crisscrossing the province to make their cases to the people of the province, while local campaigns will be knocking on doors and putting up lawn signs in the chilly February weather.
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