Doug Ford says ‘stay tuned’ when asked about an early Ontario election

Premier Doug Ford says he needs a stronger mandate to fight looming tariffs, but NDP Leader Marit Stiles says an election call is more about power.

Premier Doug Ford gave his clearest indication so far that he may send Ontario voters to the polls more than a year early.

“Stay tuned,” Ford said Wednesday, when asked by a reporter at Queen’s Park whether he plans to call an early election next week. “We need a mandate from the people.”

The response comes amid multiple media reports citing sources saying the premier could call an election as soon as next week.

Ford has been ramping up his language around a possible election in recent weeks, saying that in the face of tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, he needs a “clear mandate” from the electorate to spend billions of dollars on economic stimulus if need be.

While he has the power to do so as premier, especially with a majority at Queen’s Park, Ford has insisted a mandate would be necessary.

Last week Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy told CP24 Breakfast that the Progressive Conservatives ran on his budget back in 2022 and they would need to get approval from the people if they intend to change course. He indicated that the province might need to abandon its plan to balance the books, which it was scheduled to do by 2026-27.

The government announced the same day that it had started to mail out $200 rebate cheques meant to offset the high cost of living. Opposition parties charged back in October that the cheques, which will cost $3 billion, are a “gimmick” meant to buy votes in a possible election.

Elections in Ontario must always be called on a Wednesday. If an election were called next week, voters would likely head to the polls 28 days later on Feb. 27.

Ford has stressed that the whole country needs to respond to any tariffs that are imposed.

He said he’s still hoping that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has said she won’t agree to export tariffs on oil, might come around.

I think we’re moving her along,” he said, stressing that the U.S. needs to feel the full impact of reciprocal tariffs.

“You can’t bring a gun to a knife fight. We have to make sure we match these tariffs dollar-for-dollar where it’s going to impact Americans the most,” Ford said.