Tariff threat is ‘convenient’ reason to call a snap election in Ontario: UWindsor political analyst

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, wearing a 'Canada Is Not For Sale' hat, speaks as he arrives for a first ministers meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Premier Doug Ford said he will be calling an early provincial election next week, paving the way for Ontarians to head to the polls at the end of February. A University of Windsor political analyst believes this is a convenient reason for the snap election to be called.

“We need a mandate from the people to fight against Donald Trump’s tariffs. He’s coming against our families, our businesses, our communities,” Ford said.

The new U-S president has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports as of Feb. 1.

“I personally think that the argument is a bit convenient for Mr. Ford to suggest that he needs a mandate to do so,” said Lydia Miljan, political analyst and professor at the University of Windsor.

“He has a mandate. He still has over a year left in that mandate, and people are happy with them.”

Miljan has some early advice for the opposition parties: Switch the script from tariffs to Ford’s track record, specifically on finances.

“We have a $6 billion deficit and he’s sending us $3 billion worth of cheques, I think that’s where he exposes himself on his fiscal conservativism,” Miljan said, referencing the taxpayer rebate cheques which are now “in the mail.”

Miljan called it a “crass vote-buying attempt.”

She was also critical of Ford for failing to meet a promise to balance the budget.

Miljan believes opposition parties have “plenty” to chose from, in terms of other issues that have dogged the Premier, including the Greenbelt scandal.

If the election is called on Wednesday, Miljan notes it will be a “short” four-week campaign.

“He might be able to just keep our minds focused on the Trump tariff threat, as opposed to any mistakes that he’s done during his tenure as premier,” Miljan said.