Doug Ford's victory in the Ontario elections represents a public endorsement of his leadership at a crucial time marked by economic uncertainty and trade threats from the United States. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Ford and emphasized the importance of working together to protect Canadian interests, workers, and businesses. Ford, who has been perceived as a firm-handed figure, has managed to keep attention on the threat posed by U.S. tariff policies during the electoral campaign.
Julie Simmons, associate professor of political science at the University of Guelph, commented that Ford's focus on establishing the "Am-Can Fortress" has helped strengthen Canada's position in its competition with China. Despite this, Ford has been clear in his willingness to retaliate if the U.S. continues to impose tariffs. Ford, 60 years old, addressed a crowd of supporters stressing Ontario's determination to defend itself in any trade dispute with the United States.
With this third consecutive victory, Ford will lead the province against the growing threat of tariffs from the Trump administration. His Progressive Conservative Party gained a majority in the provincial legislature, remaining in a strong position to face upcoming economic challenges. Anticipating possible tariffs, Ford has proposed measures to protect Ontario's economy in the event of a trade war, including strengthening ties with the U.S. in essential sectors such as the critical minerals industry.
The imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration would directly affect Ontario's automotive industry, with potential repercussions for General Motors and Stellantis NV plants, as well as regional suppliers. In the face of these threats, Ford has raised the possibility of restricting energy supply to the U.S., removing American alcohol from liquor store shelves, and excluding U.S. companies from public sector projects in Ontario.
In a context of trade tensions and with the imminent imposition of tariffs by the U.S. administration, Doug Ford takes his victory as a mandate from the people of Ontario to protect the province's interests and confront economic challenges with determination. With the support of voters, Ford is preparing to lead in a landscape marked by uncertainty and the need to defend the local economy from U.S. tariff policies.
