Premier Doug Ford is reportedly considering an early provincial election, which could be called as soon as next week, according to two government sources. The potential election, expected in early February, comes as Ford says he needs a stronger mandate to address the potential economic damage from a U.S. decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods.
Ford, who currently leads a majority government, argues a new mandate is essential to protect jobs, businesses, and communities in Ontario. “The stronger the mandate, the better,” his chief of staff, Patrick Sackville, wrote in an email to staffers.
On Wednesday, Ford told reporters to “stay tuned” when asked about the possibility of an election call, emphasizing that only Ontarians can provide the mandate he needs to respond to the economic threat.
However, opposition leaders are criticizing Ford’s rationale.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles says Ford already has a strong majority and the authority to take necessary action, including his role as chair of the Council of the Federation, which represents Canada’s premiers. Stiles accuses Ford of using the snap election to distract Ontarians from pressing issues such as the state of the province’s health care system.
The potential election comes with over a year left in Ford’s current term.
