Here’s what the federal election results mean for Doug Ford and Ontario

The Ontario results in the federal election have left both Liberal and Conservative backers with reasons to be optimistic and pessimistic. For Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals, the mixed results in Ontario prevented them from forming a majority government, with losses in key ridings in the Greater Toronto Area and working-class areas like Hamilton, Windsor, and Sudbury. However, winning 69 seats in Ontario was better than expected, especially considering the party’s standing just four months ago under Justin Trudeau’s leadership.

On the other hand, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives saw an increase in seat count in Ontario by a dozen, making gains in areas where the Liberals faltered. Despite this, the Conservatives faced their fourth straight election loss, with Poilievre himself losing his long-held riding in the Ottawa area. Questions lingered about whether the party could have performed better by following the playbook of Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives, who have won three consecutive majority governments in Ontario.

For Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the election results present an opportunity to leverage the federal government for the province’s benefit. His good relationship with Prime Minister Carney could lead to collaboration on key issues like the auto industry and critical minerals production. Ford’s focus on speeding up resource project approvals, particularly in the Ring of Fire, aligns with Carney’s priorities, suggesting a fruitful partnership between the two leaders.

Despite rumblings about Ford’s desire to replace Poilievre as Conservative leader, the premier’s focus remains on Ontario and unity within the country. While some Conservative MPs have criticized Ford, his emphasis on national unity and cooperation with the federal government signals a commitment to working together for the benefit of all Canadians.

For federal New Democrats in Ontario, the election results were disappointing, with the party losing all five seats it previously held in the province. The NDP’s share of the vote dropped significantly, leading to a complete wipeout in Ontario. Party leaders are now focused on reflection and building a stronger movement for the future.

Overall, the Ontario results in the federal election have set the stage for potential collaboration between the provincial government and the new federal leadership. With opportunities for partnership and shared priorities, there is hope for progress and unity in Ontario and across the country.