Doug Ford, the outgoing premier of Ontario in Canada, has declared triumph in an election, earning his Progressive Conservative party a rare third term in office.
According to projections by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the Progressive Conservatives are leading with 43% of the votes.
Ford stated, “As we confront the threat of Donald Trump’s tariffs … I will collaborate with all layers of government and across all political lines because combating back against Donald Trump and standing up for Canada will necessitate the full effort of Team Ontario.”
Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico; Ontario, a major manufacturing region that exports to the US, would be severely affected.
Ford called for an election prematurely, seeking a more potent mandate to fight against Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs against Canada. Laura Stephenson, a professor of politics at Western University, noted that this call for an election was Ford’s gamble to secure another majority.
Ford’s rivals had difficulty shifting voter attention to the scandals facing the Progressive Conservative leader and the challenges that the province confronts. The most populous province in Canada, Ontario is grappling with the provision of adequate healthcare to its over 14 million residents, with approximately 2.5 million lacking a primary care provider, an increase from 1.8 million in 2020.
Ontario rarely holds elections during winter. On the day of the election, a significant portion of the province was still recovering from recent snowstorms. As per Elections Ontario, voter turnout was at 42.62% just after 10 PM.
Trump’s threats could have a significant impact. He has suggested that he could use economic force to make Canada the 51st state. His influence on Canadian politics is felt both at the national and provincial levels. Additionally, a Canadian federal election is expected this year as well.
Ford wore a “Canada is not for sale” hat and made two trips to Washington DC during the election campaign to voice his opposition to US tariffs.
According to Semra Sevi, a professor of politics at the University of Toronto, the results of Ontario’s election could augur well for the Liberal party that holds power in Ottawa. The election results "illustrate how external factors – such as Trump’s tariffs – significantly affect the political atmosphere and voter priorities”, Sevi said, noting "the recent resurgence of the federal Liberals after a period of decline".
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