Photo credit: globalnews.ca
In the wake of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement to resign as leader of the Liberal Party and as prime minister, Ontario Premier Doug Ford faced intense scrutiny regarding the possibility of an early election. During a brief media session, Ford was pressed multiple times about the implications of U.S. tariffs under president-elect Donald Trump and the potential disruption that may stem from a Liberal leadership contest in Ottawa.
When reporters inquired if these national developments could lead him to dismiss the prospect of an early election in 2025, Ford remained steadfast in redirecting the conversation to the tariffs. “What I can tell you is I’m 100 per cent focused on the tariffs, on reaching out to the governors and Congress people and senators, business leaders in the U.S.,” he stated, maintaining that his attention is not on provincial election schedules.
This response echoes Ford’s consistent messaging, where he emphasizes external economic factors over political maneuvers. He also noted the positive reception of provincial advertising initiatives, asserting, “The problem is not Canada,” which suggests he remains confident in his government’s public image amid shifting political tides.
Ford’s remarks came shortly after Trudeau’s resignation announcement, which marked a significant shift in the Canadian political landscape. Reporters continued to press him about whether he would consider postponing any potential election until after the federal ballots, given the anticipated chaos in federal politics. Once again, Ford pivoted back to discussing the tariffs and his commitment to engaging with U.S. lawmakers to address these issues. “My main focus is these tariffs right now,” he reiterated, emphasizing the immediacy of the threat they pose to Ontario’s economy.
Speculation surrounding an early election in Ontario has been prevalent for nearly a year, primarily due to Ford’s evasive responses on the topic. Although he clarified that he would not seek an election in 2024, he left open the option for 2025. Monday’s opportunities to settle the matter were likewise met with ambiguity, as Ford continued to sidestep direct inquiries about his election timetable.
Expert Opinions on Political Landscape
Political analysts consider it implausible that Ford would push forward with an early election amidst the current volatility in federal politics and looming tariff threats from the U.S. Jamie Ellerton, a political strategist, stated that the unstable political climate could significantly alter Ford’s election strategy, suggesting, “I do think the premier’s calculus has changed quite substantially.”
Veteran pollster John Wright described Ford as pragmatic and indicated that the current events would likely prompt him to review any plans for an early election. According to Wright, the backdrop of a Liberal convention and the anticipated federal election in June, or possibly sooner, complicates any immediate election strategies Ford might contemplate.
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie has urged Ford to commit to a fixed election date, arguing that such stability is critical for the province’s political environment during these tumultuous times.
Source
globalnews.ca