Doug Ford calling an early election might seem like it's all about taking on the big, bad Trump and his tariff threats. But let's be real—it's probably more about avoiding pesky RCMP reports into Greenbelt corruption, and dodging messes he's made with Ontario's taxpayer money.

Ford's been busy billing the people hefty fees for breaking booze and beer contracts, green energy projects, then coming up with his own green schemes; he’s been cutting off revenue streams, and throwing cash around like it grows on trees. Now, he's trying to shift the spotlight onto Trump, who’s acting like Canada’s potential 51st state is just around the corner and throwing around tariff threats. All the while health care, affordable housing and Colleges are in crisis begging for attention.

Meanwhile, Canada's federal government is caught up in its own drama, with the Liberals scrambling to replace an unpopular leader and planning their own election.

But back to Ontario. Ford's election timing is pretty slick. The opposition isn't exactly roaring right now. The Liberals, usually the main challengers, are stuck in third place with a new leader, Bonnie Crombie, who hasn’t had much time to flex her political muscles. Then there's Marit Stiles, who's also fresh to the scene. So, unless Ford trips over his shoelaces in a big way, he's likely to keep his seat come election day on February 27.

Voter turnout wasn't great last time, and it’s hard to see what’s going to get people more excited this year. Still, there's a slice of the electorate that’s miffed about Ford’s spending habits and might see this whole Trump tariff thing as a smokescreen. Those voters want to see some accountability.

In the end, Ford might lose a few seats, but he's probably not sweating a minority government. If he pulls this off, he's got a runway till 2029 to keep doing his thing—whatever that might mean for Ontario's wallet and future.

Please enjoy the January 28, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below.  Posts come out every Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. If you like my editorial cartoons and animations, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. A lot of work goes into these cartoons and commentary — Best of all, it’s free!