Donald Trump’s tariff threats could spark an early Ontario election [Video]

A looming tariff battle between the United States and Canada could be a factor in a long-rumoured early Ontario election, some political experts say, suggesting the fight may give Premier Doug Ford a reason to call a snap vote.

Speculation has been swirling at Queen’s Park for months that the Progressive Conservative government is preparing for an election a year ahead of the next fixed vote date in June 2026.

And that talk has only ramped up in recent weeks, as the legislature adjourns for the winter break and economic storm clouds gather on the horizon. 

Earlier this week, a solemn Ford stood at a podium outside of his office at Queen’s Park, issuing a dire warning about U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s threats to apply a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods. 

“We need to be ready,” Ford said. “We need to be ready to fight. …