By Emily Stonehouse
It’s official.
In a surprise to very few, Premier Doug Ford announced that he will be running a snap provincial election, with Ontarians headed to the polls for Feb. 27.
Ford made the announcement during a scheduled media talk in Brampton on Friday, Jan. 24. While the reasoning behind the quick vote – now set for over a year earlier than the originally planned election date of June, 2026 – isn’t entirely clear, Ford seems to be pointing fingers to none other than the newly-elected American President, Donald Trump.
“We need a mandate from the people to fight against Donald Trump’s tariffs,” said Ford to the press on Friday. “He’s coming against our families, our businesses, our communities.”
Trump has suggested he would implement a 25 per cent levy on Canadian products as early as Feb. 1 of this year, but like many of the President’s bold statements, the legitimacy of this call to action seems up for debate.
The other party leaders seem wary of Ford’s decision to go ahead with the abrupt call. “In the face of looming tariff threats, Ontario needs stability, not an election,” said Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner. “We need to demonstrate strength through unity to defend Canadian workers, Canadian jobs and Canadian companies.”
“Any premier who calls a snap election like this in the middle of the winter is hoping that people aren’t paying attention,” said Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles to the press. “We need stability. Calling an election does not create stability. It looks to Donald Trump like an opportunity to shake things up even further. I think it’s the wrong approach.”
Ford also cited that the “lack of leadership” at a federal level played a part in his decision to call a snap election. Historically, Ontario voters opt for different parties in power between the province and the country, and with polls suggesting that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre may take the cake in Ottawa, many are suggesting that Ford wants to secure his spot before the upcoming federal election, slated for this spring.
The Echo and the Times will continue to share political profiles and updates that will impact our local readers as details become available leading up to the Feb. 27 election date.
