Doug Ford’s Election Mandate Was a Fraud

And We’re Letting Him Get Away With It

Before the 2025 Ontario Elections, Doug Ford was mandated to govern Ontario until June 2026. That meant he had an additional 15 months left on his term of 48 months. But instead of using the power he already had to fight tariffs or do his damn job, he called a snap election on February 27, 2025, winning himself a third term and extending his power until 2029.

Let’s be clear: This was never about getting a “mandate” to stand up to Trump’s tariffs. Ford already had that authority. This calculated political move was designed to secure just over two and a half years in power. And it worked—because we let it. The media played along, covering it as if it were a normal election instead of calling out the obvious: this was an unnecessary, wasteful, self-serving stunt.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Here’s the math:

• Ford could have waited until June 2026 for a new election.
• Instead, he forfeited the 15 months left on his term to extend his power for an additional 33 months.
• That means he has gained 2 years and 9 months in his term by playing political games.

So what did this stunt cost us? It starts with a cost of $189 million – just to hold the actual election. That doesn’t include party spending (funded by donations and fundraising). If you count the total costs of running polling stations, election staff, ballot printing, and taxpayer-funded reimbursements to political parties, the final price tag is closer to $300 million, if not more.

Where did that money come from? Your taxes. Income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes—money that could have gone to healthcare, fixing roads, lowering hydro bills, or helping people afford housing. Instead, it was wasted on Doug Ford’s personal power grab.

A $3 Billion Bribe

$300 million is a lot of money but it pales in comparison to the $3 billion bribe Ford issued in the form of $200 rebate cheques to every Ontario resident who had filed their tax returns. Supposedly, this was meant to help Ontarians with the cost of living. Conveniently, it also arrived just before the election Ford never had to call.

So, if you’re keeping track, Ford spent $300 million on an unnecessary election and $3 billion on an election-year handout—money that could have been used for actual solutions to the cost-of-living crisis.

This $3.3 billion price tag will cost every single man, woman and child in Ontario $205. Family of 4: that would represent $1,020 in costs or lost services for your family that money could have paid for.

Our Emperor Wears No Clothes

The worst part? Everyone is treating this like it was a legitimate election.

I hear media pundits discussing Ford’s “new mandate” with straight faces as if he didn’t just manufacture this entire situation to cling to power. This mandate is a political fabrication. It’s about as real as “the emperor’s new clothes”—a shiny illusion that disappears the moment you actually think about it.

Ford told us he needed this election to fight Trump’s tariffs. Why?

• Did he gain some kind of special, magical power that he didn’t have before? No.
• Did Ontario suddenly become an independent nation-state that negotiates directly with the U.S.? No.
• Or was Ford implying that if we didn’t give him extra time in office, he wouldn’t fight for Ontarians at all?

If that’s the case, that’s a threat, not leadership.

What We Should Be Talking About

Now, I actually support some of the moves Ford is discussing in response to Trump’s economic threats. Shutting off energy to the U.S.? Sure. Cancelling and then reversing and then re-promising to cancel the Starlink contract? Fine, whatever. I’m all for an “elbows up” approach when it comes to protecting Ontario’s interests. But Ford didn’t need a mandate to do and furthermore – why do we assume that only Ford could have done this?

I am furious that millions of Ontarians were forced into an expensive, time-wasting, utterly pointless election so one man could secure more time in power. I am disgusted that while we’re struggling with a cost-of-living crisis, Ford dumped billions into his own political survival instead of doing something productive to help the people of this province.

And I am beyond angry that we are still talking about his “mandate” as if it means something. It doesn’t.

This wasn’t about fighting for Ontarians. This was about Ford looking out for himself and his wealthy friends.

Our emperor has no clothes. It’s time we stop pretending otherwise.

Also, if you noticed my math “error” above, you can grasp the general picture. Pay attention.

About the Author

Louise Mignault

Author

Louise is an independent artist and writer. She writes opinion and editorial pieces about current events, politics and social issues. You can read more on her website at <a href="https://louise-mignault.com/" />www.louise-mignault.com</a><br><br> Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seeker or any of its other authors.

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