Canadian Prime Minister Doug Ford has secured his third term as Ontario’s premier, winning 43% of the vote and leading his Progressive Conservative party to victory. The early election, held just over a year ago, was intended to secure a stronger mandate against US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs on Canadian goods.
Ford called the election to counter Trump’s economic pressure, which could have had a significant impact on Ontario’s manufacturing sector. The province is heavily reliant on exports to the US and would be particularly affected by any trade tensions.
The election results show that Ford’s campaign strategy paid off, with many voters turning out to support him against the backdrop of US-Canada relations. Voter turnout was 42.62% at 10pm local time, despite much of the province still recovering from recent snowstorms.
The Liberal party, which governs in Ottawa, may see an opportunity to capitalize on Trump’s influence in Canadian politics. University professors note that external factors like Trump’s tariffs can significantly shape voter priorities and the political climate.
Ford made two trips to Washington DC during his campaign to make his case against US tariffs, wearing a “Canada is not for sale” hat as a symbol of resistance. With these results, Ford’s party is now poised to work with all levels of government to address pressing issues like healthcare in Ontario.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/28/ontario-canada-election-results-doug-ford-progressive-conservatives