Ontario Election Results: Tory Mandate, Crombie’s Ouster, and Key Takeaways

Ontario Election 2025: Key Takeaways for Each Party

Doug Ford and the progressive conservatives secured their third majority win in the recent Ontario election, but the results also offer insights into each partyS performance and future prospects.

One critically important aspect was the PC party’s successful strategy of focusing on U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threat and positioning Ford as the best leader to handle it.

Jonathan Malloy, a political science professor at Carleton University, stated, “The Conservatives correctly calculated that that this would be the ballot question because of what’s happening with the Trump management and [that] Mr. Ford would do well on that ballot question.”

Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor of political science at McMaster University, questioned if the snap election was worth it, calling it “a $190 million exercise in preserving the status quo,” noting, “We saw so little movement in terms of seats.”

According to unofficial results, the PCs secured 80 seats, followed by the NDP with 27, the Liberals with 14, the Greens with 2, and one independent seat.

Progressive Conservatives: ‘A majority can get the job done’

Ford became the first Ontario leader to win a third majority since 1959. The PCs are elected or leading in 80 seats, just one more than they had when the legislature dissolved in January.

Despite this win, the party had hoped for a larger share, aiming for the “largest mandate in Ontario’s history to move this province forward,” as Ford stated back in January.

Lawlor noted the meaning of securing time to govern with a solid majority: “At the end of the day, 90 seats or 83 seats, a majority can get the job done in the legislature without the support of the Opposition.”

NDP: ‘In a holding pattern’

While some polling suggested the NDP might lose ground to the Liberals, the party held its position, avoiding a potential loss of progressive votes. They ended up with 27 seats, one fewer than before the election.

Lawlor commented, “It’s not a loss.But I wouldn’t say it’s an overwhelming declaration of victory either.”

Malloy pointed out the NDP’s consistent role as the official opposition in three straight elections but noted, “But their inability to gain further traction is really quite remarkable.They seem to be in a holding pattern.”

Liberals: ‘They’ve got a long way to go’

The Liberals achieved official party status by securing 14 seats, surpassing the 12-seat benchmark, but failed to win a seat for their leader, Bonnie Crombie.

Malloy described the results as “bittersweet,” adding, “They definitely improved but they’ve got a long way to go.”

Lawlor highlighted the party’s share of the popular vote, stating that it may bring the party some relief. Nearly one in three voters cast a ballot for the Liberal party.

Crombie intends to stay on as party leader. Lawlor suggests, “I would suggest that with Crombie wanting to stay on, the party has no real interest in changing leaders. I don’t think there’s anyone lining up for the job.”

Though, Crombie’s task will be challenging without a seat. “Crombie can still be effective outside of the House, but she really has to play for the media coverage to have herself be seen as somebody who is is holding Ford’s feet to the fire,” said Lawlor.

Green Party: ‘Continuing to struggle’

The Green Party retained its two seats, including a third term for Leader Mike Schreiner in Guelph, but fell short of hopes for picking up a seat in Parry-Sound Muskoka.

Lawlor noted that “At the end of the day,two seats is is not even approaching official party status. And therefore, you know, the Greens are continuing to struggle to gain ground in Ontario.”

Malloy sees the party as “leader-centric” similar to the federal Green Party,noting,”There’s no sense of a larger institutionalized party or group that could spread to other regions.”

Conclusion

The 2025 Ontario election yielded a third majority for Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives, while also revealing the challenges and opportunities facing the NDP, Liberals, and Green Party.Each party faces unique hurdles in the coming years. To stay updated on Ontario politics and the evolving political landscape,continue following reputable news sources and engage in informed discussions.

Why might the Liberals struggle to gain a foothold despite Bonnie Crombie’s leadership?

Ontario Election 2025: Key Takeaways & Party insights

Interview with Prof. Emma Hutton, Political Science Expert

We sat down with Prof. Emma Hutton, a political science expert, to discuss the results of the recent Ontario election and their implications for each party. Here’s what she had to say:

PC’s Sweeping Victory: Mandate or pyrrhic win?

Archyde: Prof. Hutton, Doug Ford and the PCs secured their third majority, becoming the first since 1959. Yet, they fell short of their stated ambition for “the largest mandate in Ontario’s history.” How do you interpret this result?

Prof. Hutton: Well, yes, securing a third majority is a significant achievement.While PCs hoped for a larger mandate, their win outright is still a powerful statement from Ontario voters. Though, Andrea Lawlor’s point regarding the cost and little seat movement isn’t entirely unfounded—a snap election with marginal gains raises questions about its necessity.

NDP: Stable but stagnant

Archyde: The NDP held their position but didn’t capitalize on potential Liberal losses. What’s your take on their performance?

Prof. Hutton: Stability is essential for an opposition party, and the NDP maintained that. Though, their inability to grow, even with liberals under pressure, is indeed telling. Their strategy may need review to break out of this ‘holding pattern’ Jonathan Malloy mentioned.

Liberals: Improved but still distant from power

Archyde: The Liberals secured official party status,but they’re still far from the governing benches. Where do they go from here under Bonnie crombie’s leadership?

Prof. Hutton: The Liberals have shown signs of life, but they’re far from challenging the PCs. Crombie’s task will be to consolidate and build, which could take time given her lack of a seat._media influence will be crucial for her to hold Ford accountable effectively.

Greens: Struggling to grow

Archyde: Despite high hopes,the Greens retained just two seats. What’s hindering their growth in Ontario?

Prof. Hutton: Leader-centric strategies and lack of a strong party infrastructure seem to be-ddling the Greens’ progress. Building a robust party organization, beyond local support, could be vital for their growth.

Looking ahead: thought-provoking questions for our readers?

Prof. Hutton, as the election dust settles, which Aspects of Ontario’s political landscape do you think will be the most intriguing to watch in the coming years?

Prof. Hutton: I’m particularly interested in seeing how the parties respond to potential federal-provincial dynamics, especially regarding election timing and how that might affect their strategies. additionally, how parties grapple with climate change and economic recovery as pivotal issues will also be crucial to watch.

Stay tuned to Archyde for continuous coverage and analysis of Ontario’s evolving political scene.