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ARTICLE · 05 MARCH 2025

Ontario's Snap Election: Ford Wins Third Term Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Gowling WLG
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Premier Ford's early election call paid off. With 18 months still remaining in the current mandate, he won an unprecedented third majority government, ensuring his government...

GlobalInternational Law
Jacques Shore
Jacques Shore
Suzanne Sabourin
Suzanne Sabourin
Michael Walsh
Michael Walsh
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Premier Ford's early election call paid off. With 18 months still remaining in the current mandate, he won an unprecedented third majority government, ensuring his government will outlast President Trump's administration. Premier Ford now has the mandate he sought from Ontarians amid President Trump's looming tariff threats, which are expected to take effect on Tuesday, March 4.

Introduction

On January 24, 2025, Premier Doug Ford called a snap election in Ontario, which took place on February 27, 2025, almost a year and a half earlier than required. The Premier's sudden election call came after months of speculation, as Ford aimed to capitalize on favourable polling and strong fundraising conditions within the Progressive Conservative Party. Ultimately, the looming threat of tariffs by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump weighed heavily in Premier Ford's decision to seek an early election. Premier Ford sought to capitalize on economic

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