Thursday February 27, 2025 | ONTARIO NEWS (posted from Victoria, BC) [Posted at 6:41 pm | Last update 8:10 am Feb 28, 2025]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Within 10 minutes of the polls closing in Ontario this evening, the Progressive Conservatives of Ontario (PC’s) had won a majority government.
If that result holds, Premier Doug Ford will be leading his third government with a four-year mandate that reaches beyond Trump’s term of office.
Ford wanted to give voters a choice to choose which Ontario leader would take on US President Trump for the next four years. Ontario may have to take some tough decisions in the next couple of years, and now Ford can say he has the mandate to do so.
Ontario is the economic engine of this country with strength in manufacturing, natural resources and energy.
Vote result (updated Feb 28, 2025):
The Ontario Legislature has 124 seats.
- The Progressive Conservatives Party of Ontario has won 80 seats with 42.97% of the popular vote.
- The Ontario NDP achieved 27 seats with 18.55% of the vote.
- The Liberals inched past the 12-seat requirement for official party status, now having 14 seats with 29.95% of the vote.
- The Greens held on with two seats.
- One Independent has achieved re-election with 1.08% of the vote.
Incoming statements:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a very brief statement within an hour of the polls closing to congratulate Doug Ford on their re-election: “At this crucial time, we just work together to defend Canadian interests, protect workers and businesses, and grow our economy,” said Trudeau.
“It’s now time for a strategic focus on Ontario’s economic future, rethinking the province’s place in a global economy that is moving in a very different direction than the Trump administration,” says Ollie Sheldrick-Moyle, Clean Energy Program Manager, Clean Energy Canada (based at Simon Fraser University in BC).
Official Opposition holds on strong:
The Ontario NDP has held onto being the Official Opposition, under leader Marit Stiles. This was her first general election as party leader.
Early count:
As of 9:15 pm Eastern (6:15 pm Pacific) the seat count was holding strong for the Conservatives at 75, with NDP 24, Liberals 15, Green 2, and 1 Independent.
Results continue to fluctuate:
- At 9:32 pm (Eastern): PC 79, NDP 24, Liberals 13, Green 2, and 1 Independent.
- At 10:04 pm (Eastern): PC 78, NDP 26, Liberals 14, Green 2, and 1 Independent.
- At 10:18 pm (Eastern): PC 79, NDP 25, Liberals 14, Green 2, and 1 Independent.
- On February 28 with all but four polls reporting: PC 80, NDP 27, Liberals 14, Green 2, and 1 Independent.
Vote percentages at the beginning of results rolling in (9:15 pm Eastern): 43.9% PC, 29.7% Liberal, 17.8 NDP, 5% Green.
The PCs won 82 seats in the previous election in 2022; they had 79 seats at dissolution last month.
Snow vote:
It’s been decades since Ontarians have gone to the polls in winter. Snow may have impeded some people from voting.
Taking on Trump:
Ford called this snap election with the aim of another four-year mandate, presenting himself as the leader best suited to dealing with aggressive economics from the United States.
Ford is also currently the Chair of the Council of the Federation (assembly of Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial premiers). Canada’s premiers are currently operating as ‘Team Canada’ to develop strategies against the threat of tariffs from the United States.
The other parties:
Marit Stiles has led the NDP to a strong standing as the second party, which will make them the Official Opposition.
The Ontario Liberals led by Bonnie Crombie need to hold onto at least 12 seats in order to be a third official opposition party. As of 9:21 pm Crombie is trailing behind the PC candidate and by 7:12 pm PT the CBC had declared she has lost her seat in Mississauga (but the party is holding at 14 seats).
The Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner is called ‘the conscience’ of the Ontario legislature. He seems to be holding onto his seat.
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