Doug Ford wins Ontario election on back of tariff rallying cry
In the recent Ontario provincial election held on February 27, 2025, Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative Party secured a decisive victory, marking their third consecutive majority government. This achievement is notable, as it is the first time in over five decades that a party has accomplished such a feat in Ontario.
Election Results Overview
| Party | Leader | Seats Won | Popular Vote (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Conservative Party | Doug Ford | 80 | 42.97 |
| New Democratic Party (NDP) | Marit Stiles | 27 | 18.55 |
| Ontario Liberal Party | Bonnie Crombie | 14 | 29.95 |
| Green Party of Ontario | Mike Schreiner | 2 | 4.83 |
Note: The Progressive Conservatives increased their seat count by one compared to the previous legislature, while the NDP and Liberals saw slight changes in their representation.
Voter Turnout
Voter turnout was recorded at 39.70%, indicating a decline compared to previous elections.
Context of the Snap Election
Premier Ford called for a snap election over a year ahead of the scheduled date, seeking a robust mandate to address escalating trade tensions with the United States. President Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports posed a significant threat to Ontario's economy, particularly its manufacturing sector, which heavily relies on exports to the U.S.
Premier Ford's Stance on U.S. Tariffs
Throughout the campaign, Ford emphasized his commitment to defending Ontario's economic interests against U.S. protectionist measures. In his victory speech, he underscored Canada's resilience and readiness to confront the proposed tariffs, labeling them as detrimental to both nations.
Opposition Parties' Performance
New Democratic Party (NDP): Led by Marit Stiles, the NDP secured 27 seats, a slight decrease from their previous standing. Despite this, they maintained their position as the official opposition.
Ontario Liberal Party: Under Bonnie Crombie's leadership, the Liberals increased their seat count to 14, regaining official party status for the first time since 2018. However, Crombie was defeated in her own riding of Mississauga East—Cooksville.
Green Party of Ontario: Led by Mike Schreiner, the Greens retained their 2 seats in the legislature.
Implications for Ontario's Future
With a renewed mandate, Premier Ford's administration is poised to tackle the impending trade challenges posed by U.S. tariffs. The government's strategy will likely focus on safeguarding Ontario's economic interests, reinforcing trade relationships, and mitigating potential impacts on key industries.
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