Ontario- Premier Doug Ford has won a third consecutive majority government, following a rare winter election. Marking Ontario’s first February election in over 140 years, Ford emphasized the need for a “strong mandate” to address potential U.S. tariffs that could disrupt the province’s economy.
The election period coincided with the distribution of $200 rebate cheques to Ontarians—an initiative announced months earlier. Ford’s campaign, themed “Protect Ontario,” kicked off in Windsor, Ont., near the Ambassador Bridge, highlighting his commitment to economic stability and trade relations with the U.S.
Ford made two trips to Washington, D.C., during the campaign, advocating for Ontario’s economic interests amid the threat of U.S. tariffs. However, opposition parties criticized these visits, accusing Ford of blurring the lines between governance and campaigning, potentially breaching the caretaker convention.
Ford defended his actions, stating that strong representation was crucial in maintaining economic stability. Nonetheless, his campaign later removed a promotional video blending his campaign slogan with Washington footage, citing an “abundance of caution.”
Despite efforts to steer discussions toward healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects such as Ontario Place redevelopment, opposition parties failed to significantly alter voter priorities.
New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Marit Stiles and Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, both contesting their first provincial election as leaders, increasingly targeted one another as election day approached. During a televised debate, Crombie urged NDP supporters to vote Liberal, criticizing Stiles’ fiscal policies. In response, Stiles accused Crombie of benefiting from questionable campaign contributions—an allegation Crombie denied, stating that all donations adhered to legal guidelines.
Unpredictable winter conditions added another layer of complexity to the election. A major snowstorm in the days leading up to the vote heightened concerns about historically low turnout. Election day itself saw snowfall in the morning and rain in the afternoon across the Greater Toronto Area, with some regions under snowfall warnings.
Approximately six percent of voters participated in three days of advance voting, though official turnout figures will be confirmed once all results are compiled.