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In this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists break down the details of an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: An early election in Ontario?

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Will Donald Trump trigger an early Ontario election?

Premier Doug Ford fuelled more election speculation this week when he said he’d have to “put tens of billions of dollars” into the economy if the incoming U.S. president hits Canada with prolonged tariffs — but that he currently doesn’t have the electoral mandate to do that.

“These tariffs are coming,” Ford told reporters at a Wednesday press conference. “Are they going to come like they did last time for five or six weeks? That's one thing. But if they last for months and months, we're going to have to do the same thing as what we did during the pandemic.

“I'm going to have to put tens of billions of dollars into the economy, to save the economy, to protect Canadian, Ontario jobs," he continued. "And I don't have a mandate from the people to spend tens of billions of dollars.”

SEE: Ford floats election campaign over Ontario's response to Trump tariffs

On his way back to Queen's Park from that press conference, a car collided with the OPP vehicle Ford was travelling in. "I'm OK," he told reporters. "This head's like limestone. It's hard as a rock."

Joining us tonight on 'Closer Look' is Sneh Duggal, deputy editor of The Trillium.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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