Why Doug Ford may find there's little to be gained by campaigning for Poilievre
CBC
After Doug Ford's significant majority victory in Ontario, one might think Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre would be racing to cozy up to the premier for help in winning the crucial battleground province in the federal election.
Poilievre, however, said he hasn't approached the Ontario Progressive Conservative leader for assistance. Ford, meanwhile, indicated he won't be publicly supporting any of the candidates, insisting he will stay out of the campaign to focus on his province.
Ford did stay out of the 2019 and 2021 federal campaigns. But some of his reluctance to campaign for a fellow conservative in this election may be motivated by friction between the two leaders, some analysts say. And it could also be rooted in the perception that the Ontario premier sees little political gain by helping out Poilievre.
"It would be of great benefit to Poilievre. I don't think Ford sees a lot in it for himself," said Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor of political science at McMaster University.
Ford doesn't risk being ignored by Poilievre if he were to win, she said.
"Ontario will always have a seat at the table," Lawlor said. "I think in Ford's case in particular, he's shown that he'll work with anyone who has the same policy objectives. And I think right now, they're as much aligned with [Liberal Leader Mark] Carney as they would be with Poilievre."
Ontario, with its 122 seats, will again be the key to electoral victory. It would seem then to be in the interest of Ford to help a fellow conservative like Poilievre secure victory. And, that it would be in the interest of Poilievre to make a significant effort to get Ford's support.
"Why would you not hitch your wagon to to Doug Ford?" said Julie Simmons, an associate professor of political science at the University of Guelph.
Yet so far, there doesn't seem to be any effort to join forces. Indeed, Poilievre denied a Toronto Star story that he had recently called Ford seeking his assistance. Ford also denied Poilievre was seeking help, but did say he indicated to the Conservative leader that he would be staying out of the federal election.
Asked last week about campaigning for Poilievre, Ford said that he's "not going to help anyone. That's not my job."
He added that his priority is to keep Ontario moving forward. As for whether his MPPs could help the federal Conservatives, he said they'll be "absolutely swamped" with fulfilling their mandates and should be focused on Ontario.
Ford wouldn't say whether he'd have a better relationship with Poilievre or Carney, instead insisting he will "work with anyone."
But he conceded that it's "no secret" that he's developed close relationships with some federal Liberal cabinet ministers, including Chrystia Freeland and Dominic LeBlanc.
"I don't know either one of them, to be very frank," Ford said of Poilievre and Carney.
Saskatoon city hall says police spending is projected to be $2.6 million over budget this year. That pushes the city into a $1.2-million deficit position, according to a report that will be considered by city council next week.
Students at the University of Regina are days away from deciding whether a newly formed student association should become their official representative body.
All public schools on P.E.I. are closed Friday and thousands of Maritime Electric customers are without power as strong winds create hazardous travel conditions across the province.
Prince Rupert, B.C., residents are celebrating the holidays this year with coastal flair.
In the four years Chelsey Simmonds has worked at the Eva Rothwell Centre, she has seen the need increase every year at the centre’s community food pantry.
CBC is once again looking to make the holiday season kind in Windsor-Essex.
Acute Care Alberta has extended its contract for another year with a private surgical facility at the centre of probes into health procurement and contracting.
As food bank use continues to climb across the province, front-line workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are working to improve both food security and education.
More ads could soon be coming to Toronto’s subway system.
The driver wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified, police say.
There are mixed feelings about the proposed Grays Bay road and port project, among people who live in nearby communities.
WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and includes graphic content.
Provincial police in Lambton County have charged a 23-year-old man with second degree murder following a death investigation that began this past Saturday.