As Premier Doug Ford considers the possibility of calling an early election, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party has commenced training sessions for staff on effective campaign strategies. Multiple sessions are scheduled for January and February of this year.
After nearly three years since the last provincial election, Ford has been discussing the need for a new mandate to strengthen Ontario’s economy and address potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration.
President-elect Trump has promised a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports to the United States, which Ford believes would disproportionately affect Ontario compared to other provinces.
In response, Ford has mentioned the possibility of spending billions of dollars to stimulate the economy, stating that this would necessitate a fresh mandate from voters.
“If it comes to it and we have to spend tens of billions of dollars, we go to the people — let the people decide, it’s their money,” Ford stated during a news conference.
While Ford has not made a final decision yet, the party is actively training staff for a potential election campaign behind the scenes.
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An internal email from the executive director of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party invited staff and volunteers to participate in campaign training in 2025.
The email highlighted the opportunity for individuals expected to take on key campaign roles to learn the essentials of running a successful local campaign.
The training sessions aim to prepare local riding campaign teams for the upcoming election, focusing on campaign fundamentals, voter communication, volunteer management, and voter turnout.
While one preparatory meeting has already occurred, several more virtual and in-person training sessions are scheduled for January and February.
All provincial parties have been gearing up for the election, but opposition parties have advised Ford against calling an early election.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles suggested that Ford could receive all-party support to swiftly pass a tariff-focused stimulus package, similar to the response to COVID-19.
“We need leadership that puts the needs of working people and their families first for a change,” Stiles stated.
“Right now, that means fighting like hell to protect every single job that is at risk because of Trump’s reckless threats to Ontario’s economy… rather than fighting an early election.”
Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie argued that an early election call amidst political turmoil in Ottawa would only create more instability.
“Doug Ford wants to abandon his post. He wants to run away from his duties as premier while facing the biggest battle our province has seen in a very long time,” Crombie expressed.
“Instead of treating looming tariffs as the serious threat they are, he wants to use them as an excuse for an illegitimate early election.”
