Doug Ford has secured a rare third term as premier of Ontario, with his Progressive Conservative Party claiming a decisive victory in the provincial election.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) projected a sweeping win for Ford’s party, which secured 43% of the vote. Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has historically seen frequent shifts in power, making Ford’s third consecutive victory a notable achievement.
In his victory speech, Ford vowed to stand up to US President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, a policy that could severely impact Ontario’s economy.
“As we stare down the threat of Donald Trump’s tariffs … I will work with every level of government and every political stripe because fighting back against Donald Trump, standing up for Canada, it will take a full Team Ontario effort,” Ford said.
Ontario, a major manufacturing hub with close trade ties to the US, is particularly vulnerable to Trump’s proposed tariffs. Ford made fighting them a central part of his campaign, even calling an election more than a year early to secure a stronger mandate.
During the campaign, Ford made two trips to Washington, DC, to push against US trade policies. He also adopted a defiant stance, frequently wearing a hat that read: “Canada is not for sale.”
Despite Ford’s strong showing, his opponents attempted to shift voter focus to domestic issues, including scandals surrounding the Progressive Conservative government and the province’s ongoing healthcare crisis.
Ontario, home to over 14 million people, is struggling to provide adequate medical care, with approximately 2.5 million residents lacking a primary healthcare provider—a significant increase from 1.8 million in 2020.
Ford’s win could signal a political shift at the national level, as Canada prepares for an upcoming federal election. Trump’s dominance in political discussions has influenced both provincial and federal races, with many Canadians closely watching how leaders respond to his policies.
Political analysts suggest Ford’s victory may offer a boost to the federal Liberal Party, which has seen a recent resurgence.
“These results show how external factors—like Trump’s tariffs—can significantly shape the political climate and voter priorities,” said Semra Sevi, a politics professor at the University of Toronto.
With Trump continuing to push aggressive trade policies, including a claim that he could use economic pressure to make Canada the 51st state, tensions between the two countries remain high.
