Premier Doug Ford says he needs a "clear mandate" from Ontario voters to wage an economic battle against potentially devastating tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump says could come on Feb. 1.

Ford's comments to reporters Monday at Queen's Park following Trump's inauguration were the clearest indication yet he intends to call an election in the province, after months of fuelling speculation of an early vote.

"These are negotiations that are going to go on for quite some time right now. And make no mistake about it: he's coming for us," Ford said of Trump. "I need a clear mandate from the people of Ontario. Not for tomorrow, or the next day — for four years of dealing with our American friends."

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[–] HellsBelle@sh.itjust.works 15 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Drug Fraud manipulating voters again.

The next 4 years are gonna be a circus.

[–] xmunk@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Won't someone think about his poor developer friends and all the money they need?

Also, think of all the bike lanes we could murder... together.

[–] DMCMNFIBFFF@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 year ago

When will they turn the OSC into a casino, condos, and/or luxury spa?

[–] swordgeek@lemmy.ca 11 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

So THAT'S why he's lately been sounding like a leader instead of his usual drunken grifter persona.

[–] xmunk@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yup, and he knows his popularity will never be higher than when he's standing up to the schoolyard bully... because everyone will temporarily forget he's the second biggest schoolyard bully.

Also some crap about unity or something.

[–] wise_pancake@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

It's like Julian getting out of jail and kicking Cyrus out of the park.

[–] wise_pancake@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 year ago

I could see myself supporting Marit Stiles, but I don't currently know where the ONDP stand on supporting industry.

[–] Someone@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

As someone not from Ontario I'm pleasantly surprised with how he's handling the issue and the stances he's taking. I also have to acknowledge if I did live in Ontario and had to put up with his antics on literally any other issue I'd hate him. But from a holistic Canadian perspective I think it's good. Sorry Ontarians.

[–] wise_pancake@lemmy.ca -1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm not a fan of his, but when shit hits the fan Doug Ford tends to come through for Ontarians. He did a pretty good job with Covid.

I won't ignore how he just pretended Ottawa wasn't his problem or jurisdiction during the convoy though.

He's coming across on this issue strong, but this also impacts the things he cares about most.

[–] Ahrotahntee@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

He did a pretty good job with Covid.

At the start when he was panicking and relying on the experts? Yes.

Withholding money from the healthcare system in Ontario during a pandemic is not something I will be praising him for, and contributes to the reasons why I will never vote for him.

[–] wise_pancake@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

Yes, it's a mixed bag. We could have done a lot worse with our vaccine rollout and we actually did do decent shutdowns, which were needed.

That boredom phase where everyone started going stir crazy thinking it was over was a mess.

Withholding funds from the hospitals is just par the course for him and it really bothers me.