Premier Doug Ford is planning to call a provincial election next Wednesday, which would send Ontarians to the polls on Feb. 27, a senior Conservative source has confirmed to CBC News.
The planned election call would follow months of speculation that Ford wanted to face voters before the fixed 2026 date.
The planned call would come just after Ford’s Progressive Conservative candidates meet for a “super caucus” event to discuss strategy for the next provincial election — two government sources have confirmed to CBC News the meeting will be held this weekend.
The meeting will include several strategic updates and information sessions, according to a copy of the invitation obtained by CBC News.
“This meeting will provide you with the tools, training, and resources needed for a winning election campaign,” the invitation says. “Your participation is crucial to ensuring a successful campaign and our collective success as a team.”
Sources tell CBC News that Ontario Premier Doug Ford could trigger a provincial election as early as next week. Ontario’s opposition leaders say a snap election isn’t needed more than a year ahead of schedule. CBC’s Lorenda Reddekopp has the details.
Ford has repeatedly said he believes he needs a new mandate from Ontarians to respond to the potential economic devastation that could be wrought by U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. The invitation echoes that sentiment, saying candidates need to be prepared to secure a mandate.
That’s despite Ford holding a large majority at Queen’s Park, where the legislature is currently on break.
On Monday night, Ford’s chief of staff, Patrick Sackville, emailed PC staffers telling them the government needs a “strong mandate” to stand up for Ontario, adding: “The stronger the mandate the better.”
Ford told reporters to “stay tuned” when the idea of an early election call was put to him Thursday.
Asked about the super caucus event, Ford said the party would be “having everyone by and telling them what’s going on.” He said it was a chance to talk about the tariffs and did not mention an early election call.
Meeting to include polling update, remarks from premier
The meeting is set to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at a hotel near the airport.
During the day-long strategy session, attendees will receive an update on polling from pollster Nick Kouvalis and an update on campaign messaging from strategist Kory Teneycke, the invite says.
The premier will also make remarks and pose for headshots with candidates. Door knocking and signage strategies will also be on the agenda.