In the recent Ontario election, Doug Ford's campaign predominantly focused on U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs, which analysts suggest has been pivotal for his perceived success. Ford portrayed himself as the only leader capable of shielding Ontarians from these tariffs, capitalizing on the specificity and immediacy of the issue over more traditional concerns like healthcare and education. As a result, polls showed the Progressive Conservatives significantly ahead. If Ford secures a major victory, it will confirm his strategy despite neglecting broader provincial challenges.
"Tariffs and Trump is such a specific, top-of-mind issue," said Eric Grenier. "For PCs, every poll shows that they're way ahead on that issue."
Ford triggered the snap election saying he needed a new mandate to deal with Trump's threatened tariffs. 25 per cent tariffs on goods and 10 per cent tariffs on energy.
The immediate tariff threat meant that Ford benefited from the fact that the bulk of issues that consume Ontario's legislative focus never ended up being as central during the election.
Analysts suggest a victory for Ford would vindicate a campaign strategy that focused heavily on U.S. tariffs while overshadowing other provincial issues.
Collection
[
|
...
]