 Fearing continued loss of political strength as poor economic times continued, Macdonald planned to hold an election by the end of 1886, but had not yet issued the writ when an Ontario provincial election was called by Macdonald's former student, Liberal Ontario Premier Oliver Mowat.The provincial election was seen as a bellwether for the federal poll.Despite considerable campaigning by the Prime Minister, Mowat's Liberals were returned in Ontario, and increased their majority.