Doug Ford Secures Ontario Victory Amid Trade Dispute With Trump

Friday 28 February 2025 - 08:37

By: Zahouani Ilham

Doug Ford Secures Ontario Victory Amid Trade Dispute With Trump

Doug Ford has secured a third consecutive term as Premier of Ontario after his Progressive Conservative Party (PC Party) won a decisive victory in the provincial election, which was largely shaped by trade tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ford, seeking a strong mandate to protect Ontario’s economy, led his party to a significant majority in the 124-seat Legislative Assembly. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the PC Party secured at least 74 seats, with leads in several others.

Following his victory, Ford emphasized his commitment to safeguarding Ontario’s workers and businesses, vowing to oppose Trump’s trade policies. “We will protect Ontario’s people, their families, and their livelihoods,” he told CTV News. “I will fight tooth and nail against Donald Trump—count on it.”

Ford, who frequently wore a “Canada is Not for Sale” cap and branded himself as “Captain Canada,” called the election more than a year early, arguing that he needed a robust mandate to navigate economic uncertainties under Trump’s leadership. “This battle will last four years,” he stated last month. “I want to ensure I have a strong mandate to outlast Trump.”

During his campaign, Ford traveled twice to Washington, DC, and made appearances on U.S. news outlets such as Fox News and CNN to advocate against tariffs and present himself as a representative of Canada’s economic interests. However, critics questioned his decision to hold an early election, highlighting that trade negotiations fall under federal jurisdiction.

Earlier in the week, Ford suggested imposing a tariff on electricity exports to the U.S. should Trump proceed with his trade measures, stating, “We’ll see what happens from there.” Ontario, which accounts for about 40% of Canada’s population, is heavily reliant on trade with the U.S., with over 80% of its exports heading south in 2023, according to a Scotiabank report.

The province’s auto sector, home to manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, was the second-largest vehicle producer worldwide in 2022 after Michigan. Additionally, Ontario boasts one of North America’s largest tech industries, employing approximately 420,000 people across 22,000 companies, according to Invest Ontario.

Trump had temporarily delayed imposing a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico for 30 days pending border security discussions. However, he announced on Truth Social that the levies would take effect on March 4, citing concerns over illicit drug trafficking across the border. Trump also reiterated his controversial stance that the U.S. could annex Canada as its 51st state.