Doug Ford hints at early election triggered by American tariffs
Opposition leaders say Ontario premier doesn't need an election to combat economic impacts
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he may have to "let the people decide" if his government should spend billions to offset the impact of potential incoming American tariffs.
The comments mark the premier's strongest indication yet that he may be planning to call an election before the fixed date in 2026.
Speaking to reporters at the Royal Ontario Museum Monday, Ford fuelled the speculation of an early election call that has swirled through the halls of Queen's Park since the fall.
The premier was at the museum talking about so-called Fortress Am-Can, a series of ideas Ford has been pitching in the face of American tariff threats that would strengthen trade ties between the United States and Canada. President-elect Donald Trump has publicly stated his country needs nothing from its northern neighbour.
Trump has promised 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, a crushing economic blow that Ford has warned will hit Ontarians the hardest.
"I think, if it comes to it and we have to spend tens of billions of dollars, we go to the people, let the people decide. It's their money, it's not the government's," Ford said.
Asked if that means Ontario will go to the polls if Trump's tariffs are levied, the premier replied: "Let's take a look at what happens on Jan. 20 or 21 and [it] all depends on what sort of tariffs he's putting in there."
Ford's comments come a week after he said he doesn't have a "mandate from the people" to spend billions on economic supports.
Ford and other premiers will be meeting with the prime minister in Ottawa on Wednesday to discuss the federal response to tariffs. On Monday, his pitch involved increasing exports of critical minerals the U.S. needs.
Before his comments, both the Ontario Liberals and New Democratic Party held news conferences Monday asking the premier not to call an early election.
Opposition leaders ask Ford to hold off on election
Leader of the Official Opposition NDP Marit Stiles said she'd rather all parties were back in the legislature, working on a plan to fight potential tariffs together. The Ford government has decided the legislature won't resume until March 3. Stiles said her party is open to supporting spending needed to protect Ontarians' jobs in the face of tariffs.
"I don't think Doug Ford needs to go to the polls to get that [support]. He's fooling the people of Ontario if he's telling you that. He knows he has a majority government," she said.
Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie shared a similar sentiment. She said the premier wants to win another election before an RCMP investigation into the Greenbelt scandal is complete.
"He wants to abandon his duties as premier while facing the biggest battle our province has seen in a very long time," she said. "Donald Trump and his tariffs should be treated as a threat, not as an excuse for an illegitimate early election call."
If Ford believes the polls, his party is comfortably ahead with voters. As for whether asking for an election to be delayed made her party look weak, Crombie said the Liberals are ready to fight.
"If this premier wants an election, bring it on," she said. "The point is, it's unnecessary, it's expensive. He has a majority government so he can pass any legislation he wants to right now."
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