Ontario Premier Doug Ford intends to call a provincial election next week, saying the province needs to protect itself from President Donald Trump's potential 25% tariff threat.
The election date would most likely be February 27, significantly ahead of the originally scheduled June 2026 election date.
The Progressive Conservative leader framed the election as a critical mandate to defend Ontario's economic interests.
"I'm asking for a mandate from the people of Ontario to make sure that we protect them," Ford told reporters on January 23.
Ford warned that potential U.S. tariffs could devastate the province's auto sector, potentially costing up to 500,000 jobs.
Ford plans to hold a "super caucus" event on January 25, which is really an election preparation meeting.
Ford plans to continue his role as premier while leading the party's campaign, including planned trips to Washington, D.C. to lobby against proposed tariffs.
Opposition parties already positioned housing and healthcare, particularly the family doctor shortage, as key campaign issues.
These issues are expected to remain the main campaign issues but could potentially be overshadowed by U.S. trade concerns.