Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have discussed calling an early federal election, three sources told The Globe and Mail, though Carney’s office maintains the government does not plan a snap vote.
The Progressive Conservative premier told the Liberal prime minister that Canada needs economic stability and that an election offers an opportunity to secure a clear majority mandate, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The sources stressed that Ford’s comments do not constitute an endorsement of the federal Liberals.
The Liberals currently hold two seats short of a majority in the House of Commons. The last federal election took place on April 28, 2025, less than 10 months ago.
Recent polls show Carney holds a 29% lead over Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on the question of preferred prime minister. The Liberals lead the Conservatives by four to nine percentage points in nationwide support across various surveys.
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Carney’s office said Sunday the government does not plan to call an early election. The prime minister made similar statements in late January.
The Conservatives have expressed concern that the Liberals might capitalize on Carney’s personal popularity and widespread Canadian opposition to US President Donald Trump by triggering an early vote.
Two Conservative members of Parliament crossed the floor to join the Liberal caucus last fall. Another Conservative MP announced plans to resign this spring. The government must also call two by-elections following the resignation of former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and the appointment of former Defence Minister Bill Blair as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Ford won his third consecutive majority government after calling an early provincial election last year, citing the need for a mandate to confront Trump’s trade policies.
The next federal election must occur no later than 2029.
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