Early General Elections in Ontario: Doug Ford Seeks a Strengthened Mandate Amid Economic Sanctions

The government of Ontario has announced a snap general election scheduled for February 27, 2025, following the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly by Premier Doug Ford. This decision aims to strengthen his mandate in response to economic sanctions imposed by Donald Trump, particularly the new 25% tariffs on Canadian imports.

These sanctions, which risk jeopardizing nearly half a million jobs in Ontario, have prompted Ford to devise an action plan to safeguard the provincial economy. The Premier believes that a strong electoral mandate is necessary to defend the province’s economic interests against this looming threat.

Although elections were initially scheduled for June 2026, this early vote could reshape the political landscape. According to a Léger poll, the Progressive Conservatives are currently leading with 46% of voter intentions, followed by the Liberals at 22% and the NDP at 19%.