Early election will be called next week in Ontario

Ontario Premier Doug Ford will call an early election next week after weeks of speculation and repeated claims that he needs a “strong mandate” to stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, according to reports.

Two senior government sources say Ford plans to call a snap election next Wednesday and send Ontarians to the polls Feb. 27, according to the Canadian Press.

The sources are not being named so they can speak candidly about internal government deliberations.

The news comes the same day Ford told the province to “stay tuned” about the possibility of an early election.

The move would mean Ontarians go to the polls again on Feb. 27, more than a year ahead of schedule. The election is expected to be officially called on Wednesday.

INsauga.com was unable to independently verify the details and a request for comment to the premier’s office was not immediately returned.

The premier has invited candidates and campaign managers to what’s being called a “super caucus” meeting this weekend at a hotel near Pearson International Airport “to be prepared for an election to secure a strong mandate from voters,” according to reports.

Ford has ordered cabinet ministers to get any pending government announcements out by Tuesday to free up availabilities on Wednesday.

Ontario’s next provincial election is scheduled for June 2026, but Ford has been hinting for months at an early vote.

Ford has said he would need a “clear mandate from the people of Ontario” to spend tens of billions of dollars to deal with impending U.S. tariffs paving the way for an election call.

The Progressive Conservatives already hold an overwhelming majority in Queen’s Park.

Trump did not specifically mention Canada or his threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs in his inauguration speech, but an official has indicated the president will tell federal agencies to study trade issues, including alleged unfair trade and currency practices by Canada, Mexico and China.

Ford has made multiple appearances on U.S. television networks to defend Canada and Ontario interests amid uncertainty surrounding Trump’s second presidency. He’s threatened retaliatory tariffs and measures against the U.S., like withholding power supplied to New York state.

Ford is scheduled to lead a joint mission along with other Canadian premiers to lobby American lawmakers in February.

The PC super caucus meeting is being held on Saturday at a hotel near Pearson International Airport.

– With files from The Canadian Press