Premier Doug Ford announced that Ontario will hold an early provincial election on February 27. The decision comes as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, potentially starting February 1. Ford explained that the election is necessary to secure a mandate to combat the tariffs and protect Ontario’s economy. He added that the province is ready to spend tens of billions of dollars to safeguard Ontario’s economy, comparing it to the pandemic response.
Ford also cited a “lack of leadership” at the federal level, calling for strong leadership both in Ontario and across Canada.
The next election had been scheduled for more than a year from now, but Ford said he needs a new mandate to act now against the threat to our economy.
Opposition parties argue that an early vote isn’t necessary, pointing out that they would back stimulus spending and that Ford, with his majority, already has a mandate to protect Ontario’s interests.
Locally, long-time Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke Conservative MPP John Yakabuski has announced he will not run again. Announcements on local candidates for any of the main parties have not yet been made.
We’ve reached out to each party for more information. Stay tuned with us for the latest.
(myFM News)