Doug Ford's overwhelming victory paves the way for a confrontation with Trump
Ontario Premier employs victory speech to unite Canadians in response to trade war.
TroibNews 
Ontario Premier Doug Ford achieved a significant victory in Thursday night's snap election, securing a third consecutive landslide win that he claimed was essential to gain a mandate for tackling the trade conflict with the United States.
“Donald Trump thinks he can break us,” Ford remarked in his victory speech. “He is underestimating the resilience of the Canadian people, the Canadian spirit. Make no mistake, Canada won’t start a fight with the U.S., but you better believe we’re ready to win one.”
In this election, Ford amassed 80 of the 124 seats in the Ontario legislature, garnering 43 percent of the popular vote.
As the premier of Canada's largest province, Ford made two trips to Washington during the campaign, aiming to persuade U.S. lawmakers and officials in the Trump administration that the imposed tariffs could lead to negative consequences.
Despite receiving criticism for these visits, Ford defended them during a February interview with PMG, stating, "People want me down here. Wouldn't it be terrible if I didn't show up, or all the [Canadian] premiers didn't show up, communicate and listen and build relationships?"
He invited voters to determine the effectiveness of his approach. "At the end of the day, in a democracy, the people will decide," he said— a risk that ultimately proved fruitful.
Known for his outspoken nature, Ford has been a prominent critic of Trump ahead of the anticipated trade war.
“This is not a smart move. It’s selfish,” he expressed on the night Trump first enacted 25 percent tariffs on Canada. “It not only hurts Canadians, it hurts your own people. It hurts you and your administration. … It makes Americans poorer.”
In reaction to the trade threat, Ford initially announced plans to cancel a C$100 million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink, though he later reconsidered when Trump extended the deadline to March 4.
Since taking office, Trump has often toyed with the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state. “Canadians are taking it personally,” Ford told PMG earlier this month.
On the evening of his victory, Ford emphasized his commitment to defending Canada. “I will work with anyone; I will work with everyone, to get things done now as we stare down the threat of Donald Trump’s tariffs,” he declared.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
“Donald Trump thinks he can break us,” Ford remarked in his victory speech. “He is underestimating the resilience of the Canadian people, the Canadian spirit. Make no mistake, Canada won’t start a fight with the U.S., but you better believe we’re ready to win one.”
In this election, Ford amassed 80 of the 124 seats in the Ontario legislature, garnering 43 percent of the popular vote.
As the premier of Canada's largest province, Ford made two trips to Washington during the campaign, aiming to persuade U.S. lawmakers and officials in the Trump administration that the imposed tariffs could lead to negative consequences.
Despite receiving criticism for these visits, Ford defended them during a February interview with PMG, stating, "People want me down here. Wouldn't it be terrible if I didn't show up, or all the [Canadian] premiers didn't show up, communicate and listen and build relationships?"
He invited voters to determine the effectiveness of his approach. "At the end of the day, in a democracy, the people will decide," he said— a risk that ultimately proved fruitful.
Known for his outspoken nature, Ford has been a prominent critic of Trump ahead of the anticipated trade war.
“This is not a smart move. It’s selfish,” he expressed on the night Trump first enacted 25 percent tariffs on Canada. “It not only hurts Canadians, it hurts your own people. It hurts you and your administration. … It makes Americans poorer.”
In reaction to the trade threat, Ford initially announced plans to cancel a C$100 million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink, though he later reconsidered when Trump extended the deadline to March 4.
Since taking office, Trump has often toyed with the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state. “Canadians are taking it personally,” Ford told PMG earlier this month.
On the evening of his victory, Ford emphasized his commitment to defending Canada. “I will work with anyone; I will work with everyone, to get things done now as we stare down the threat of Donald Trump’s tariffs,” he declared.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
