Ontario Premier Doug Ford signaled Monday that an early provincial election might be on the horizon, citing the need for a strong mandate to counter a potential trade war with the United States. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to delay imposing tariffs on Canadian goods, Ford warned that the threat remains imminent, particularly for Ontario’s economy.
Speaking to reporters at Queen’s Park, Ford expressed concern over Trump’s intentions, stating, “These are negotiations that could last for months, but make no mistake—he’s coming for us. I need a clear mandate from Ontarians, not just for today, but for the next four years to deal with our American neighbors.”
Ford’s comments come after Trump’s inauguration, during which the U.S. president emphasized boosting domestic manufacturing but avoided direct mentions of Canada. While the immediate threat of tariffs has been delayed, U.S. officials have signaled plans to investigate alleged unfair trade practices involving Canada, Mexico, and China.
The premier warned that U.S. tariffs could jeopardize up to 500,000 jobs in Ontario, particularly in manufacturing sectors reliant on cross-border trade. He also revealed plans for significant provincial spending to mitigate the economic impact of any trade conflict. Opposition leaders, however, criticized Ford’s apparent push for an early election, calling it an unnecessary distraction during a period of economic uncertainty.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles urged Ford to prioritize protecting jobs, not political ambitions. “This is a moment for unity, not self-serving electioneering. We need to safeguard every sector at risk and defend every job,” she said. Similarly, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie accused Ford of adding to the uncertainty, stating, “Complaining about Trump’s chaos while flirting with an early election only fuels instability.”
In a speech earlier on Monday, Ford outlined potential retaliatory measures should tariffs materialize. Among them, he proposed removing American alcohol from LCBO shelves, a move aimed at countering U.S. actions. Economists have predicted that U.S. tariffs on Canadian oil and gas could significantly raise gasoline prices in the U.S., creating economic fallout on both sides of the border.
Ford’s approach has shifted noticeably in recent weeks. While he has previously advocated for a cooperative “Fortress Am-Can” strategy emphasizing shared economic interests between Canada and the U.S., his recent remarks highlight a readiness to adopt more combative measures if needed.
Ontario has also dispatched a delegation of politicians, business leaders, and union representatives to Washington, D.C., with the goal of lobbying against the potential tariffs. Meanwhile, Ford continues to push for a balance between economic diplomacy and preparedness for a worst-case scenario, leaving Ontarians awaiting further clarity on whether an early election will indeed be called.
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