Premier Doug Ford plans to call a snap election next Wednesday and send Ontarians to the polls on Feb. 27, The Canadian Press has learned.

The confirmation comes after weeks of rampant speculation Ford would head to the polls early, a move he is justifying using the threat of tariffs from the U.S.

He faces up to life in prison without parole for murdering 3 people, including a 9-year-old, and attempting to kill a 3-year-old.