Much to the disdain of Ontarians, the Ontario election was called a year-and-a-half early this year, with voters casting their ballots up to and on Feb. 27 under the auspices of the government needing a renewed mandate to fight U.S. tariffs.
While Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford failed to make a strong case for an early election, his party did manage to spend $189 million in public monies, landing another majority.
The Premier also spent several days of the 28-day election cycle outside of the province, in Washington, D.C., and appeared on U.S. television networks. In the end, the government won 80 of the 124 seats, the NDP with 27 and the Liberals doubling their seats to 14 from seven in 2022 and the Green Party with two. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles did also maintain Official Opposition status in the Ontario Legislature.
“We all know this election was unnecessary,” said District 6 Director Kevon Stewart, following the election. “It was just another political manoeuvre by Doug Ford that failed to deliver real change. The outcome may feel like more of the same, but that doesn’t mean we stop fighting for a better future.”
During this snap election cycle, the United Steelworkers union worked hard to get members out to the polls and activists into volunteering for Ontario NDP campaigns. The union produced a number of materials available through the USW website, informed members about how to vote and get involved via regular emails and social media. Early in the election, Stewart endorsed Ontario NDP Leader and Opposition Leader Marit Stiles.
There were also six Steelworkers Vote canvass nights during the election, bringing out activists in different parts of the province. Stewart also congratulated three incredible Steelworkers who were re-elected: Jamie West (Sudbury); Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre); and Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk—James Bay).
“These proud Steelworkers will continue to be strong voices for the working class at Queen’s Park and we look forward to working with them in the years ahead,” said Stewart.
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