The progressive Conservatives will win a majority for the third consecutive time in a vote dominated by trade tensions.
Ontario, Canada, has re-elected Prime Minister Doug Ford’s ruling Conservative Party in an election that focuses heavily on trade tensions launched by President Donald Trump.
Ford and his progressive Conservative Party (PC) cruised to a third consecutive legislative majority on Thursday after sought “the biggest order in Ontario history” to protect the economy of Canada’s most populous province from Trump’s tariffs.
According to a tally from the Canadian Broadcasting Agency, the PC Party won at least 74 seats in Ontario’s 124-person legislative assembly, leading seven other districts on Thursday night.
“We’re going to make sure we protect the people of Ontario and protect our families and their jobs and businesses,” Ford, 60, told CTV News after his victory.
“I’m fighting Donald Trump and teeth and nails. I promise you that.”
Often wearing a “Canada is not on sale” hat, Ford styled himself as Captain Canada through his campaign, calling for votes more than a year earlier, claiming he should have stronger orders to navigate years of potential economic turmoil under Trump.
“This will be a battle for the next four years,” Ford said last month when he called for the SNAP election. “I want to make sure there is a strong obligation to make President Trump last.”
During his campaign, Ford traveled twice to Washington, DC, making numerous appearances on US networks such as Fox News and CNN, lobbying against tariffs, and positioning himself as a spokesman across Canada.
Earlier this week, he said he would impose tariffs on electricity sent to the US by the state if Trump proceeded with his threatened trade measures.
Surrounding Toronto, Ontario, which lives around 40% of Canada’s population of around 40 million, relies heavily on trade with the United States.
According to Scotiabank’s analysis, more than 80% of Ontario’s exports were sent to the US in 2023, and after New Brunswick and Alberta, it is the most dependent state on American consumers.
Trump, who agreed to a 30-day suspension on threatened tariffs in Canada and Mexico, said Thursday that the 25% tax would come into effect on March 4th.
And Trump, who suggests that the US can absorb Canada as the 51st state, has said he has made his decision as illegal drugs such as fentanyl continue to cross borders at “unacceptable levels.”
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