Doug Ford announces he will call a provincial election, vote to take place Feb. 27

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced this morning he will call an election next week.

Provincial laws state an election can only be called on a Wednesday which would mean the vote will  likely be held Feb. 27.

Ford stated the election, called about a year and a half early, needs to be held to secure a mandate to fight against the threat of tariffs from the United States.

The premier, who is well ahead in opinion polls, confirmed he will visit the lieutenant-governor on Tuesday to dissolve the legislature.

Ford has said on several occasions the threat of 25 per cent tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump justifies the move.

Ford, who already has a large majority government, says he needs a strong mandate to stop the tariffs.

Ford was in Brampton today to announce plans to build a tunnel in the city for an LRT project.