Ford Insists Province is Prepared for Trade War, Despite Opposition Criticism

Ontario's Snap Election Amid Looming Trade War

Ontario's Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford insists the province is not vulnerable despite calling a snap election as a potential trade war with the United States looms. However, Ford warned of difficult times ahead should U.S. President Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.

Ford justified the election by stating he needs a fresh mandate from Ontarians to spend tens of billions of dollars to help people during a potential trade war. He dissolved the provincial parliament on Tuesday, effectively halting the passage of new laws until the formation of a new government. The snap election is set for February 27th and could cost taxpayers as much as $189 million.

Despite the looming threat, Ford maintains that the province is not weak. "It's going to give us more strength, more certainty, because right now the only thing certain with President Trump is uncertainty," he said. "And when you have a four-year strong mandate, that gives us a lot more strength when we're negotiating."

Trump is targeting Ontario's auto sector with the tariffs, aiming to shift production of Canadian-made cars to the U.S. This would significantly impact Ontario's economy, as the automotive industry is a major employer in the province.

Ford warned that Ontarians will feel the pain of the tariffs quickly. "The coming weeks and months will be some of the toughest we've ever faced," he said. "The impact of these tariffs will be felt almost immediately. Companies' orders are going to slow down, factories will have to reduce shifts, workers may lose their jobs."

Opposition leaders have accused Ford of calling the early election for personal gain, using Trump's tariff threats as an excuse. They argue that he should not have quit his job as premier during a time of crisis.

Ford insists he can still act as sitting premier while campaigning and has planned trips to Washington, D.C., to discuss the issue. He has also proposed a $22-billion stimulus package to build infrastructure, which he says would go ahead regardless of Trump's actions.

The election will ultimately decide whether Ford's plan will be implemented. The people of Ontario will have the opportunity to choose their leader and determine the province's course of action in the face of the potential trade war.