‘Stay tuned’: Ford likely to call snap election in Ontario as early as next week

An early election appears all but likely in Ontario. Sources tell 680 NewsRadio that Premier Doug Ford is likely to call an election either January 29 or February 5.

“Stay tuned,” was Ford’s answer when asked point-blank on Wednesday if he plans to call an election next week.

Ford plans to use U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs as the reason to send Ontarians to the polls early.

Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing his government to study alleged unfair trade practices by Canada and Mexico and file a report by April 1.

Later that day, he mused about imposing 25 per cent tariffs on both countries by Feb. 1, calling Canada a “very bad abuser” for allowing illegal drugs and migrants to enter the U.S.

“We need a mandate to protect and possibly spend billions of dollars to protect people’s jobs and there’s only one group that’s going to give you the mandate and that’s the people, and that’s what’s great about democracy. You either vote a government in or they vote them out,” said Ford.

Opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles says a mandate isn’t necessary, pointing out Ford already has a majority.

“This is all about Mr. Ford wanting to gain more seats when he already has a majority. This isn’t about standing up to Mr. Trump. Mr. Ford didn’t need a mandate from the people to spend $2.2 billion – $400 per household – to subsidize a luxury spa company in downtown Toronto. He never asked for a mandate for that,” Stiles said while attending the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation summit in Toronto.

“This is just an excuse to go to the polls when people aren’t paying attention.”

Ford is not compelled to call an election until June 2026 but he could be sending Ontarians to the polls as early as February 27 or March 6 for a rare winter election campaign.

Even though Ford doesn’t have to call on election until June 2026, Ontarians could be casting ballots on as early as Feb. 27 or Mar. 6.

“I’m ready anytime the premier tells us that we’re going to go into a campaign, hot or cold, sunny or snow,” said Vic Fideli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of Ontario.

A new Leger poll puts the Progressive Conservatives 24 points ahead of the Liberals, which would be enough for Ford to win another majority.