Premier Doug Ford plans to call a provincial election next Wednesday, with Ontarians heading to the polls on Feb. 27, a senior Progressive Conservative Party official confirmed to CBC News.
The planned general election call comes after months of speculation that Ford wants to face voters by a set date in 2026.
The planned conference call was scheduled to take place shortly after Ford’s Progressive Conservative candidates met for a “super caucus” event to discuss strategy for the upcoming provincial election — two government officials confirmed to CBC News that the meeting will be held this weekend.
The meeting will include several strategic updates and briefings, according to a copy of the invitation obtained by CBC News.
“This meeting will provide you with the tools, training, and resources you need to win your campaign,” the invitation reads. “Your participation is essential to ensure the success of our campaign and our overall success as a team.”
Officials told CBC News that Ontario Premier Doug Ford could trigger a provincial election as early as next week. Ontario’s opposition leaders say there is no need to push the snap election more than a year ahead of schedule. CBC’s Lorenda Reddekopp has the details.
Ford believes a renewed mandate from Ontarians is needed to respond to the economic devastation that could be caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods. I have repeatedly said that I am. The invitation reflects that sentiment, stating that candidates must be ready to secure the assignment.
This is despite Ford holding a majority in Queen’s Park, where parliament is currently in session.
On Monday night, Ford Chief of Staff Patrick Sackville emailed PC staff saying the government needs a “strong mandate” to protect Ontario, and “the stronger the mandate, the better.” he added.
When the idea of holding an early election was raised on Thursday, Mr. Ford told reporters: “I want you to pay attention.”
Asked about the bipartisan meeting, Ford said the party would “bring everyone together and tell them what’s going on.” He said this was an opportunity to discuss tariffs and did not mention calling for early elections.
Why conservatives want to vote now
John Milloy, a former Liberal cabinet minister and current director of the Center for Public Ethics at Martin Luther University, said there are several reasons why Ford’s conservatives want to vote now.
“Doug Ford has been consistently leading in the polls over the past few months,” he said.
“This battle with Donald Trump in Washington and his role as the self-styled Captain Canada has elevated his status and profile in Ontario. I think even his critics… I think I rate him very highly.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said it’s more important to “stand up for the country” than the jurisdiction. Ford spoke to reporters ahead of a prime minister’s meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss Canada’s response to the threat of U.S. tariffs.
Andrew Brander, vice president of Crestview Strategy and former PC advisor, added another reason for the timing.
“I think the main reason for doing it early is to pre-empt a federal election,” he said. “Choosing to hold an election of your own volition before the federal election gives voters more leeway and patience.”
Meeting including poll updates, Prime Minister’s remarks, etc.
Meanwhile, the PCs’ “super caucus” is scheduled to be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at a hotel near Pearson International Airport.
The invitation states that during a day-long strategy session, attendees will receive updates on polling from pollster Nick Kouvalis and updates on campaign messages from strategist Cory Tennike. It is stated that.
The prime minister is also expected to make remarks and pose for photos with the candidates. Door knocking and signage strategies are also on the agenda.
