Doug Ford Faces Backlash Over Snap Ontario Election Amid Tariff Threats

The Ontario Premier calls an early election, citing the need for a stronger mandate to address potential U.S. tariffs and economic challenges.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has confirmed a snap election, set for February 27, more than a year earlier than required by provincial law.
Ford argues the early election is necessary to secure a mandate to address U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, which could significantly impact Ontario's economy.
Critics, including Ontario Liberals and labour groups, accuse Ford of prioritizing political gain over addressing pressing issues such as tariffs, healthcare, and worker protections.
Labour leaders have called for a tariff task force and coordinated policy action, criticizing the election as a distraction from key provincial challenges.
Opposition leaders Marit Stiles (NDP) and Bonnie Crombie (Liberals) claim Ford should focus on legislative action rather than campaigning during a critical economic period.