Thursday, February 20, 2025

Ford Hints at Early Ontario Election Amid Trump’s Tariff Threats

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford signaled the possibility of an early provincial election, citing the need for a clear mandate to counter potential economic fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs. Speaking at Queen’s Park on Monday, Ford emphasized the urgency of preparing Ontario for what he called an economic “battle” against tariffs that could cost the province up to 500,000 jobs.

Trump has proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, citing issues like immigration and fentanyl, though he has not provided specific data to support these claims. While these tariffs were not enacted immediately, Trump hinted they could take effect on February 1, raising concerns for Ontario’s manufacturing and export sectors.

Ford described the tariffs as a direct threat to Ontario’s economy, stating that the province would require “tens of billions of dollars” to support affected industries and workers. He also outlined potential retaliatory measures, such as removing U.S. alcohol products from LCBO shelves, should the tariffs come into effect.

Opposition Criticism
Opposition leaders have criticized Ford’s apparent push for an early election, accusing him of creating unnecessary political instability during a critical time. NDP Leader Marit Stiles argued that the focus should remain on protecting jobs, while Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie accused Ford of sowing chaos by refusing to rule out an early vote. Both parties expressed support for emergency spending to safeguard Ontario’s economy.

“Fortress Am-Can” and Retaliatory Measures
In recent weeks, Ford has championed a “Fortress Am-Can” strategy, advocating for deeper economic and security ties between Canada and the U.S. while promoting expanded trade in energy and critical minerals. Despite this collaborative tone, Ford has also voiced support for federal retaliatory tariffs if Trump’s measures are implemented, aligning Ontario with broader national efforts to counter the U.S. policy.

Economic and Political Stakes
Ontario sent a delegation of politicians, business leaders, and union executives to Washington, D.C., for Trump’s inauguration, aiming to dissuade the U.S. from enacting tariffs. Economists have warned that a 25% tariff on Canadian oil and gas exports could significantly increase fuel prices in the U.S., potentially leading to economic disruptions on both sides of the border.

Ford’s latest comments mark a shift from his earlier emphasis on fostering economic unity, signaling a readiness to adopt stronger measures to protect Ontario’s economy while preparing for a potentially contentious election.

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