TORONTO – Premier Doug Ford says he has a stronger mandate after last week’s election despite winning fewer seats than in 2022.
Ford’s Progressive Conservatives took 80 seats in the election, down from 83 three years ago.
Ford says the fact his share of the vote has increased in three straight elections is proof of a bigger mandate from Ontarians.
He said at the start of the election campaign that he needed a stronger majority than before in order to implement his plans to deal with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ford says he will not be able to recall the legislature until mid-March at the earliest because of rules laid out by Elections Ontario.
Opposition leaders have said Ford called the snap election more than a year early for his own personal gain while he was well ahead in the polls.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3, 2025.
