Smaller Tory mandate than hoped for, no seat for Crombie and other takeaways from the Ont. election

Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservatives secured a third majority win in the recent Ontario election, marking a significant political development. However, there were other key takeaways from Thursday night’s results that also deserve attention.

One of the notable aspects of the PC party’s strategy was their focus on U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threat, which resonated with voters. Political experts like Jonathan Malloy from Carleton University acknowledged that the Conservatives’ decision to make this a central campaign issue paid off, positioning Ford as the best leader to tackle the challenge.

The costly snap election raised questions about its worth, with some viewing it as a $190 million exercise in maintaining the status quo. Despite limited movement in terms of seats, the PC party emerged victorious with 80 seats, slightly more than their previous count. While they fell short of their target of 90 seats, the majority win gives them a solid mandate to govern.

On the other hand, the NDP managed to hold their ground, maintaining their position as the Official Opposition. Despite concerns about losing ground to the Liberals, they secured a larger seat total. However, there was no significant increase in their seat count, prompting observations that the party seems to be in a holding pattern.

The Liberal party, on the other hand, met one of their objectives by regaining official party status with 12 seats. While they increased their popular vote share, they fell short of returning to official opposition status or securing a seat for leader Bonnie Crombie. The party still has a long road ahead in rebuilding its presence in Ontario politics.

The Green Party retained their two seats, including a third term for Leader Mike Schreiner in Guelph. However, their hopes of gaining another seat in Parry-Sound Muskoka were dashed. The results indicate that the Greens continue to struggle in expanding their legislative presence in Ontario.

Overall, while Doug Ford’s majority win dominated the headlines, the election results underscored the diverse political landscape in Ontario. Each party faces unique challenges and opportunities as they navigate the post-election landscape. The road ahead will be marked by efforts to consolidate gains, address shortcomings, and position themselves for future electoral success.