Doug Ford has been re-elected as the premier of Ontario after a campaign that focused on how to handle potential trade wars with the United States. The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario won a majority, marking Ford’s third win in as many years. Ford vowed to stand up to President Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian exports, emphasizing that Canada is ready to win any potential trade conflicts. With Ontario being heavily reliant on industries like automotive and manufacturing, tariffs would have a significant negative impact on the province.
Ford’s opponents in the election, Bonnie Crombie of the Liberal Party and Marit Stiles of the New Democratic Party, trailed him in the polls leading up to the election. Despite some concerns about the timing of the vote, Ford called for the snap election to seek a strong mandate from voters to combat potential tariffs from the U.S. All three candidates agreed on issues like increasing access to family doctors, improving transit, and lowering housing costs, making it difficult for voters to distinguish their plans from one another.
The proposed tariffs from President Trump could result in the loss of as many as 500,000 jobs in Ontario, particularly in the auto industry where production is closely tied to the U.S. border. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been working on negotiations with the U.S. to prevent the tariffs, while Ford has emphasized the need to protect Canadian interests and the economy. Ford’s previous victory in 2018 marked a shift from 15 years of Liberal Party rule in Ontario, with his platform focusing on tax cuts and economic development.
Critics of Ford have raised concerns about his close ties to developers, particularly regarding a plan to open up protected land around Toronto for development. Despite these criticisms, Ford’s victory in the election indicates that his message resonated with voters in Ontario. Ford’s stance against threats from the U.S. to annex Canada, and his commitment to protecting Canadian interests and identity, were highlighted throughout the campaign. As Ontario faces potential economic challenges from U.S. tariffs, Ford has positioned himself as a leader who is ready to defend the province’s interests and stand up to external threats.
