Canada

Canada: Ford Wins Third Term Amid US Tariff Tensions

FEB 28 2025·Updated MAR 1 2025

Story

Above: Doug Ford, Ontario's premier, speaks at a rally during Ontario's provincial election in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Image credit: Galit Rodan/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Facts

Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservative Party secured a third consecutive majority government in Ontario's snap election, with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation projecting victory within 10 minutes of polls closing.
nytimes
Financial Post
The election was called more than a year early, with Ford seeking a stronger mandate to combat US President Donald Trump's threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian exports, which could potentially cost Ontario 500K jobs.
nytimes
CTVNews
Ford's Progressive Conservatives captured 81 seats in the 124-member legislature, improving on their previous 79 seats, while the NDP secured 26 seats as the official opposition and the Liberals gained 14 seats.
CTVNews
Bloomberg.com
Throughout the campaign, Ford positioned himself as "Captain Canada," making two trips to Washington to lobby against tariffs and appearing regularly on US media networks to advocate against trade restrictions.
guardian
Al Jazeera
The election saw historically low voter turnout, with only 44 percent of eligible voters participating amid winter weather impacts across the province.
BBC News
The Pinnacle Gazette
Ford's victory makes him the first Ontario leader since Leslie Frost in 1959 to secure three consecutive majority governments.
BBC News
National Post

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Right narrative

The strong mandate demonstrates clear public trust in Ford's leadership during a critical time of economic uncertainty, proving that his tough stance against US tariffs and commitment to protecting Ontario's economy resonates with voters. Ford's pragmatic approach to governance and ability to work across party lines has earned him unprecedented electoral success.

TVO Today

National Post

Left narrative

The snap election was an opportunistic move that capitalized on the US tariff crisis while overshadowing crucial domestic issues like healthcare, education, and issues in the development sector. Underneath the pressure of tariffs and threats to Canadian sovereignty, these pressing social issues are paramount — Ford must bring these to the forefront in good faith.