According to a report by Reuters, voters in Ontario, Canada’s most populated province, are heading to the polls on Thursday for an election.
The current Premier, Doug Ford, is hoping to win another majority government. Ford, who leads the Progressive Conservative Party, called the election early, saying he needs a stronger mandate to fight against U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods.
Ford, 60, is aiming for his third straight majority after big wins in 2018 and 2022. However, this election comes at a tense time. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, which could hurt Ontario’s economy badly.
Ontario is Canada’s manufacturing hub and home to about 35% of the country’s 40 million people. If the tariffs go ahead, the province, which already borrows a lot of money, could face serious challenges.
Trump has even joked about making Canada the 51st state of the U.S., which has sparked strong reactions from Canadian politicians. Ford, along with his opponents—Marit Stiles of the left-leaning New Democratic Party and Bonnie Crombie of the centrist Liberal Party—have all spoken out against the tariffs and the idea of Canada being annexed by the U.S.
As reported by Reuters, Trump’s actions are influencing Canadian politics at both the provincial and national levels. A federal election is also expected later this year, adding to the political drama.
Meanwhile, Ontario is facing other big issues. The province is struggling with healthcare shortages, with about 2.5 million people lacking a family doctor, up from 1.8 million in 2020. Ford has been criticized for saying that emergency rooms are overcrowded because people go there for minor issues like sore throats and scraped knees. His opponents argue that many people have no other place to go for care.
Ontario is also dealing with a housing affordability crisis, like much of Canada. The province has fallen behind in meeting its own housing goals, making it harder for people to find affordable homes.
During the campaign, Ford has been seen wearing a hat that says, “Canada is not for sale,” and he has made two trips to Washington, D.C., to argue against the U.S. tariffs. However, his travels during the election period have been criticized because governments are usually expected to avoid major policy decisions during campaigns.
Ford’s decision to call an early election is a gamble, but it might work out. A recent CTV News/Nanos poll showed Ford’s party leading with 45.7% support among decided voters, putting them 14 points ahead of the Liberals.
It’s unusual for Ontario to hold an election in winter, and many parts of the province are still recovering from recent snowstorms. Despite the challenges, Ford is pushing forward, hoping to secure another term to tackle these issues.
For more details on this story, you can check out the full report on Reuters. This election is not just about Ontario’s future but also about how Canada responds to pressure from the U.S. and addresses its own internal challenges.
Credit : Reuters