Ontario’s Snap Election: A Costly Power Grab Disguised as Leadership

Premier Doug Ford has called an early Ontario election, scheduled for February 27, after securing approval from Lieutenant-Governor Edith Dumont to dissolve the 43rd Ontario provincial parliament. While Ford insists that he needs a fresh mandate to combat the looming 25% tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, it is clear to many Ontarians that this move is a strategic power grab, forcing taxpayers to foot the $175 million bill for an unnecessary election.

Snap elections are rarely well received by the public, and this one is no exception. They are often perceived as a cynical move by incumbents seeking to extend their time in office before facing the natural tides of political opposition. Ford's decision to call this election more than a year ahead of schedule appears to be a calculated effort to secure another four years before potential economic downturns and political scandals catch up with him.

This move is particularly off-brand for the Progressive Conservative Party, which typically champions fiscal responsibility. Wasting $175 million on an early election contradicts their supposed values of prudent financial management, and Ontarians have every right to be outraged.

Despite the controversy, Ford is still the likely winner. His political survival skills and strong base of working-class support, akin to Trump’s, have allowed him to weather previous storms. However, history suggests that snap elections can backfire. When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pulled the same stunt at the federal level in 2021, his popularity took a nosedive.

If Ontarians react similarly, Ford might find his next four years far more challenging than he expects. The early election call reeks of political opportunism rather than genuine leadership, and many voters may become disillusioned with his administration. Ford's critics, including Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and NDP Leader Marit Stiles, have wasted no time condemning his decision. Crombie labeled it a "reckless" political maneuver, while Stiles accused Ford of prioritizing his political career over Ontario’s workers.

Ford’s justification for the election—Trump’s tariffs—raises further concerns. While Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports are undoubtedly a serious issue, it is unclear why Ford believes that an early Ontario election is the appropriate response. Trade negotiations and international economic policies are largely handled at the federal level. Ford’s insistence on securing a fresh mandate to combat Trump seems more like an attempt to ride the wave of nationalist sentiment than a genuine strategy to protect Ontario’s economy.

Adding to the skepticism is Ford’s shifting stance on Trump. In 2016, he was a vocal supporter of the then-presidential candidate. Now, he has branded himself as "Captain Canada," fighting against Trump’s aggressive trade policies. This transformation appears to be more about political convenience than principle.

While Ford’s political instincts have served him well in the past, this move could prove to be a double-edged sword. By forcing Ontarians to the polls unnecessarily, he risks angering voters who see through the maneuver. Even if he secures another term, it could be a rocky four years ahead.

As Ontario heads into this unexpected election, voters will have to decide whether they accept Ford’s justification or see this as an opportunistic ploy. While he is likely to win, the backlash from this decision could set the stage for a decline in support over time, much like what happened to Trudeau after his ill-fated snap election.

In the end, the biggest loser in this situation may not be Ford, but the average Ontarian—forced to endure an expensive and unnecessary election, all for the sake of one man’s political ambitions.