Progressive-Conservative leader of Canada’s most populous province seeks ‘strong mandate’ to counter 25% tariff plan

The premier of Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has said he will call an early election, citing the need for a strong mandate to fight against tariffs threatened by Donald Trump.

Doug Ford said he would meet the province’s lieutenant governor on Tuesday to dissolve his government and call an election on Wednesday, which would allow for voting on 27 February. The election had previously been slated for June of 2026.