If you’re wondering who is premier of Ontario right now, the short answer hasn’t changed in a long time. It’s Doug Ford. He’s been in the big chair at Queen’s Park since 2018, and honestly, it feels like an era. As of early 2026, he isn't just sticking around; he’s actually fresh off a massive win.
Most people didn't see it coming, but Ford pulled a fast one in early 2025. He called a snap election a full year before he had to. Why? He claimed he needed a "clear mandate" to deal with the chaos coming out of the U.S. and those trade threats from Donald Trump. It worked. His Progressive Conservatives (PCs) secured an 80-seat majority, leaving the opposition in the dust.
Why Doug Ford is Still the Guy
Doug Ford’s staying power is a bit of a mystery to some, but a total logic-bomb to others. You’ve got to look at how he positions himself. He isn't your typical buttoned-down politician. He talks about "the little guy," drinks chocolate milk at press conferences to support dairy farmers, and gets into public scraps with the Prime Minister.
Right now, in January 2026, he's basically the face of "Ontario First." Just this week, he was at the Dairy Farmers of Ontario meeting, literally chugging a glass of chocolate milk on stage while promising to fight for supply management. He’s also currently slamming Prime Minister Mark Carney (who replaced Trudeau) over a trade deal with China. Ford thinks Carney is letting too many cheap Chinese EVs into the country, which he says will "kill" Ontario's auto industry.
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He’s a brawler. That’s his brand.
The Big Issues Defining Ontario in 2026
Being the premier of Ontario isn't exactly a walk in the park these days. Even though Ford has the seats in the legislature, the vibe on the street is... well, it's complicated.
Abacus Data just put out a poll this month showing that while Ford is way ahead of the other parties, about half of Ontarians think the province is headed in the wrong direction. People are stressed. Life is expensive. If you live in Toronto or the GTA, you know that traffic hasn't gotten any better, and finding a family doctor feels like winning the lottery.
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Here is what is actually happening on the ground right now:
- Trade Wars: Ford is obsessed with the U.S. border. With Trump back in the White House, the Premier is spending a lot of time trying to make sure Ontario's auto and tech sectors don't get crushed by tariffs.
- Health Care Crunch: This is the big one. Wait times are still brutal. The government is pushing more "as of right" rules so doctors from other provinces can start working here in 10 days, but the system is still under massive strain.
- New Laws for 2026: As of January 1, we’ve got new rules. Employers have to post salary ranges on job ads if they pay over $50k. There’s a crackdown on impaired driving. Even the milk in your fridge has more Vitamin D now because of new regulations.
- The "Carney Factor": Ford has a new rival in Ottawa. He’s currently calling Mark Carney’s EV deal with China a "knee-jerk reaction" and a "mess." It’s the classic Queen’s Park vs. Parliament Hill drama, just with a new face in the federal seat.
Is Anyone Challenging Him?
You’d think with all the complaining about housing and health care, someone would be nipping at his heels. But the opposition is sorta fragmented. Marit Stiles and the NDP are trying to pivot to the "change" crowd, and Bonnie Crombie’s Liberals are still trying to find their footing after the 2025 election loss.
The reality of being the premier of Ontario is that as long as the opposition is split, Ford stays in the driver's seat. He’s currently holding 48% of the committed vote. That’s a huge number for a guy who’s been in power for nearly eight years.
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What You Should Keep an Eye On
If you’re following Ontario politics, the next few months are going to be about two things: the economy and the border. Ford is positioning himself as the only person "tough enough" to handle the Americans. Whether he’s actually doing that or just talking a big game is up for debate, but it’s what’s keeping him in power.
Expect to see a lot of talk about "Special Economic Zones" and "Buy Canadian" policies. The government is trying to fast-track big infrastructure projects to show they’re "building," even if the cost of living keeps climbing.
Next Steps for Staying Informed:
- Watch the ROMA Conference: Ford is speaking at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association meeting this week (Jan 18-20, 2026). This is where he usually drops news about funding for small towns and infrastructure.
- Track the EV Dispute: The fight between Ford and Carney over Chinese electric vehicles is going to affect jobs in Windsor, Oakville, and Oshawa. If you work in manufacturing, this is your number one news story.
- Check Salary Transparency: If you’re job hunting, remember that under the new 2026 rules, those job postings must include a salary range. If they don't, they're breaking the law.
The role of the premier of Ontario is currently a mix of high-stakes trade diplomacy and trying to fix a very broken health care system. Doug Ford is the one holding the wheel, for better or worse, through at least the next few years.