Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford launched his campaign in Windsor Wednesday with the Ambassador Bridge as his backdrop.
He says his main message this campaign is that he will "protect Ontario" from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats to Canada and to do that, he needs another four years in office.
"During this time the government will need to move fast. Responding to the challenge will demand enormous action that was never considered as part of our current mandate. We'll redouble our efforts to build Ontario's economy, we'll do whatever it takes to protect workers and their livelihoods. We will invest tens of billions of dollars to keep people working," said Ford.
Ford indicated all of the efforts to protect the province's economy will allow them to continue on their path for education and healthcare.
"Do you know what, you can't invest in education, you can't invest in healthcare if your economy gets attacked and that's why we have to protect the people, we have to protect the education system, the healthcare system. The economy pays for everything," said Ford.
Ford also introduced the PC candidate for Windsor-West, Tony Francis. Francis was unavailable for comment following Ford's news conference.
Windsor-Tecumseh candidate Andrew Dowie and Essex candidate Anthony Leardi were also at the news conference.
Dowie said launching his campaign here shows Ford cares about this community.
"He knows the impact that the tariffs will have on this economy. We know how many jobs are at risk with the tariff threat and Premier Ford showing up here shows that he understands our economy. He's fighting for us," said Dowie.
Election Day is February 27, 2025. Elections Ontario announced there will be three days of advanced polls from February 20-22.