Doug Ford Defiant in Victory Speech: ‘Trump Thinks He Can Break Us’
Doug Ford Defiant in Victory Speech, Vows to Stand Against Trump’s Tariff Threats
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has pledged to push back against U.S. President Donald Trump after securing a third term in office, reaffirming his commitment to protecting Canada’s economy.
“Donald Trump thinks he can break us,” Ford told a cheering crowd in Toronto. “But he is mistaken—Canada is not for sale.”
Ford, who has led Ontario since 2018, called the snap election to secure a clear mandate to challenge Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods. Early results indicate that his Progressive Conservatives have won more than 80 out of 124 seats in the legislature.
The left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) came in second, forming the official opposition, while the Liberals placed third.
Throughout his campaign, Ford pushed back against Trump’s repeated remarks about Canada being the “51st U.S. state,” donning a cap with the slogan “Canada is not for sale.”
During his victory speech at a Toronto convention center, he continued his strong rhetoric against the U.S. president.
“Trump thinks he can divide and conquer, pit region against region,” Ford said. “But he underestimates the resilience of the Canadian people, the Canadian spirit.”
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) called the election just ten minutes after polls closed on Thursday evening. However, voter turnout appears to be at near-record lows, with only about 44% of eligible Ontarians casting ballots—matching the historic low from 2022.
Ford’s campaign focused on the slogan “Protect Canada,” underscoring his stance against U.S. tariff threats. He has become a frequent presence on American news networks, acting as a de facto spokesperson for Canada’s position in trade disputes.
Trump confirmed on Thursday that he would move forward with additional tariffs on Canada and Mexico next week, following a month-long delay granted in exchange for security assurances at the borders.
With approximately 75% of Canadian exports destined for the U.S., economists warn that the tariffs could be devastating for Canada’s economy while simultaneously increasing costs for American consumers.
Ontario’s auto sector, deeply linked to the U.S., could be among the hardest hit. Ford has warned that up to 500,000 Ontarians could lose their jobs if Trump’s blanket 25% tariffs are enacted.
In response, Ford has proposed strong retaliatory measures, including cutting energy supplies to the U.S. and removing American liquor from provincial store shelves. He has also floated the idea of “Fortress Am-Can,” a plan to strengthen energy ties between the two nations in an effort to sidestep the tariffs.
Critics, including opposition parties, have accused Ford of calling the snap election to capitalize on tensions in U.S.-Canada relations and bolster his popularity. They also questioned the decision to hold a costly election amid economic uncertainty.
Additionally, Ford has faced multiple controversies, including an ongoing criminal investigation into a land deal involving environmentally protected property.
Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie, speaking to supporters on Thursday, acknowledged her party’s failure to form a government but celebrated the gains they made.
“People counted us out. Tonight, you proved them wrong,” she said. Despite failing to win her own seat, Crombie vowed to continue leading the party.
The last time an Ontario government secured three consecutive majorities was in 1959 under Progressive Conservative leader Leslie Frost.
