Overview

• Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called a snap election, 16 months ahead of schedule, citing the need for a mandate to address potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
• Ford pledges to protect Ontario’s economy against tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump but has yet to provide specific plans for his proposed economic response.
• Health care is a major campaign issue, with opposition parties criticizing the government for failing to address the province’s family doctor shortage, which affects 2.5 million residents.
• Housing affordability and congestion remain key concerns, with Ford defending his government’s housing policies despite falling short of annual construction targets.
• Opposition leaders accuse Ford of political opportunism and mismanagement, highlighting controversies like the Greenbelt development reversal and costly alcohol sales expansion.