Ontario’s 43rd Parliament has been formally dissolved, Premier Doug Ford announced today. The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, signed a proclamation ending the current session, effective at 4:00 p.m.
In line with the Election Act, the Lieutenant Governor has also approved the issuance of writs for Ontario’s next general election, which will begin on January 29, 2025. Voters will head to the polls on February 27, 2025, to decide the province’s next government.
Premier Ford emphasized the significance of this moment for Ontarians in a public address. “The people of Ontario will now have the opportunity to decide how we move forward as a province. Over the past years, we’ve made real progress—on infrastructure, on affordability, and on building a stronger economy. This election is about continuing to deliver on the commitments we made to the people of this province. I look forward to hearing from Ontarians as we work to secure a brighter future for all,” Ford stated.
Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, framed her campaign as a call for change. “In the coming weeks, we have the power to make a change in Ontario. To fight back against Trump. To turn the page on Doug Ford. To elect a government on your side. Let’s do this,” she said. Stiles also made a bold transportation promise, pledging to remove all tolls on the 407 for all drivers. “Retweet if you agree this would be a huge relief for drivers stuck on the 401 every day,” she posted on social media.
Bonnie Crombie, leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, criticized Ford’s handling of key issues and the decision to call the election. “At Ontario’s most critical moment, our Premier is choosing to put 500,000 jobs at risk. He only cares about his job, not yours,” Crombie said. Referring to threats of U.S. tariffs, she added, “Trump’s tariff threats are a serious issue, not a political game with you as the pawn — and certainly not an excuse for a $175 million election.”
Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, focused on the housing crisis. “Housing affordability has been the number one issue facing Ontario since before Ford took office. He’s had seven years with a majority government to do something about it, and the problem has only gotten worse,” Schreiner said. He criticized the government’s lack of progress on housing, stating, “Other provinces have figured out how to build homes, but the Ford government continues to say no to every solution we put forward. It’s time to kick out this NIMBY government and elect a government that will urgently build the homes we need to address the housing crisis.”
This marks the beginning of what is expected to be a contentious campaign, with Ford’s Progressive Conservatives seeking a third consecutive term. Opposition parties, including the Liberals, NDP, and Greens, are campaigning heavily on affordability, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure, framing the election as a chance for Ontarians to choose a new direction.
Elections Ontario is reminding all eligible voters to ensure their registration is up-to-date and to review voting procedures ahead of February 27, 2025.
