Ontario Premier Doug Ford has successfully secured a third consecutive legislative majority for his Progressive Conservative Party, amidst rising trade tensions with the United States. This electoral victory comes after Ford called an election to obtain a stronger mandate in light of potential economic upheaval under former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff threats. The election took place on Thursday, with Ford's party winning at least 74 seats in the 124-member Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
Ontario, a province encircling Toronto and home to approximately 40% of Canada's population, plays a crucial role in the country's economy. The province is highly reliant on trade with the United States, with more than 80% of its exports directed south of the border in 2023. Ontario's auto industry stands as the second-largest producer globally, following Michigan in the United States as of 2022.
Beyond its automotive prowess, Ontario hosts one of North America's largest tech industries. The province boasts 420,000 employees and 22,000 businesses actively engaged in the tech sector. These industries contribute significantly to Ontario's economic vitality and underscore the importance of stable trade relations with the United States.
Ford's decision to call an election amid Trump's threat of a 25-percent tariff levy on Canadian goods sparked criticism from opponents who questioned the timing. Trump had agreed to a 30-day pause on these tariffs, allowing negotiations on border security to proceed. Nevertheless, he announced on Thursday that the levies would come into effect on March 4 if no resolution is reached.
Throughout his campaign, Ford positioned himself as a vocal advocate for Canada in the face of these looming tariffs. He traveled to Washington, DC, twice and appeared on U.S. networks such as Fox News and CNN. His efforts were aimed at lobbying against the tariffs and highlighting the mutual benefits of continued free trade.
In response to Trump's trade measures, Ford has indicated his willingness to impose a tariff on electricity exports from Ontario to the United States should the threatened levies be implemented. His proactive stance underscores his commitment to protecting Ontario's economic interests.
"This is gonna be a battle for the next four years," Doug Ford stated, emphasizing the ongoing challenges anticipated in maintaining harmonious cross-border trade relations.
