Nearly every public statement from Doug Ford lately has a familiar rhythm.
He expresses concern over the breakdown of trade relations with the United States. He also mentions that he personally still cares for Americans. Then he outlines what his Ontario government is doing to tackle these trade challenges. The premier typically highlights industries crucial to the province’s economic success as if he’s talking about cherished children.
Ring of Fire, the older one with immense potential. Auto Sector, the dependable middle child currently facing some struggles. And Small Nuclear Reactor, the impressive young one achieving great things at such a young age.
Add in a few mentions of cabinet ministers, sprinkle in “Protect Ontario” a couple of times and wrap it up. You can set your clock by it.
So it was quite noticeable to see Mark Carney, in Ottawa on Wednesday, deliver nearly the same speech while standing next to Ford. You almost expected to see the Ontario premier silently mouthing along as Carney spoke.
While announcing a multi-billion-dollar joint investment between federal and provincial governments aimed at shielding three Ontario industries from tariff impacts, Carney rattled off his own list of favored projects.
Mines in Northern Ontario. A new agreement for military vehicle production at a plant near London. A rail-car factory in Thunder Bay. And those small nuclear reactors that Ford is so proud of.
The prime minister even referred to joint investments in housing that have lowered new home prices. “I’ve seen the ads,” he joked with Ford, referring to a series of TV spots promoting Ontario’s housing initiative. (Carney also noted how there was no Canada government logo on those ads before humorously admitting he’d need to fund his own advertising.)
The only notable difference between the two leaders was in their stated cost for the rescue package they were unveiling. Carney labeled it a $9-billion investment covering steel, autos, and the Ring of Fire. Meanwhile, Ford said afterward during prepared remarks that it was $8.7 billion; however, he casually added that it might be closer to $9 billion once all extras like fees were included. Carney didn’t seem bothered that Ford’s comments had revealed his team had rounded up their figures.
Even when this announcement turned into a press conference, there wasn’t much distance between how both leaders responded to questions compared to each other.
When asked about ongoing disputes regarding planned job cuts at Stelco in Hamilton and why there hasn’t been any legal action yet from Ottawa against its American owners, Ford claimed his government was willing to follow Ottawa’s direction on this issue-this is coming from a premier who once dramatically poured out Crown Royal when its producers announced plans to close one of their bottling facilities in Ontario.
When asked if he disagreed with Carney’s recent comments suggesting immigration targets would likely increase, he stated that he’s “never in disagreement with the federal government.” This comment at least caused Carney to smile slightly.
Was it surprising to see Carney and Ford get along so well? Not really. They’ve mostly been on good terms since Carney took office-except for one issue concerning an airport on Toronto Island-but it’s worth noting because as Ford gets ready to finally return to Queen’s Park after more than four months away, his relationship with Carney remains an asset for him.(This has also helped squash rumors about whether he might consider moving into federal politics-how could he run against someone he’s constantly praising?)
Ford hasn’t always been popular among voters personally; however, his PCs have repeatedly taken advantage of divisions between left-leaning NDP and Liberals politically speaking. But being alongside Carney-a figure who enjoys remarkable popularity due largely due role as Guy Who Donald Trump Calls Nasty-is bound for positive effects on Ford’s image. His rivals at Queen’s Park have called on him take faster action regarding Stelco , but now he can just point toward where Prime Minister stands , leaving voters today nodding approvingly.
While it might appear like Premier only has one tune playing , any risk that message around protecting economy plus growing essential sectors grows tired is eased whenever Carneys arrives echoing same sentiments back towards audiences p>
The only difference recently is sometimes Carneys speaks using French p >
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