Ontario’s Premier, Doug Ford, has hinted at the possibility of calling for an unplanned election as early as next week. This move is seen as a strategic play by his party, the Progressive Conservatives, to leverage the current potential tariff crisis to their advantage in the polls.

When questioned by media on Wednesday about the probability of an imminent election, Ford’s response was a cryptic “Stay tuned.” He reiterated his belief that a new mandate is needed to effectively challenge possible tariffs from the U.S.

Ford has indicated that an earlier-than-expected election could empower the upcoming Ontario government with a “loud voice,” essential for tackling issues with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and the looming threat of tariffs on Canadian exports.

“What’s fantastic about democracy is that they either vote a government in, or they vote them out,” the premier told journalists on Wednesday. The Progressive Conservatives have marked Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 as potential dates for the election campaign kick-off, but the premier’s plans remain a closely guarded secret.

Global News, however, has discovered that government staff have been instructed to wrap up all ministerial announcements by Tuesday, Jan. 28. This move could pave the way for the premier to meet Lt. Gov. Edith Dumont to dissolve his government and announce a general election the following day.

If this scenario plays out, under Ontario law, voters could find themselves casting their ballots as early as Feb. 27.

Despite the potential dates, the premier’s rationale for an early election has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. They have committed to backing the government’s efforts to combat tariffs and salvage the economy if it starts to falter.

Ford, whose party currently holds a 79-seat majority in the Ontario legislature, contends that the Ontario government needs a robust representation to amplify the province’s voice in Ottawa and Washington.

Meanwhile, NDP Leader Marit Stiles has dismissed the government’s stated reason for an early election. Stiles told Global News, “This does pour cold water on Mr. Ford’s argument that he has to have an election to get the mandate to do his job.”

Opposition parties are also pushing the government to provide voters with specific information on the economic stimulus package if the Progressive Conservatives plan to request a new mandate. Ford has assured that his government would resort to spending levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic and has expressed a desire to seek permission from voters to spend “tens of billions” of dollars.

Regardless of the political maneuvering, the ultimate decision lies in the hands of the voters. As the premier himself stated, in democracy, they have the power to vote a government in or out.