Dougie Does D.C. | Your ON Election Look Ahead from Summa Strategies
Your ON Election Look Ahead
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Ford’s Double Duty? Premier Ford’s upcoming travel to the U.S. for tariff-related talks this week, while the government is in caretaker mode, is certainly unconventional. The caretaker convention dictates that government activities should not unduly favour any political party. Ford’s trips, ostensibly as a working premier, blur the line between official duties and campaign strategy, especially when the PC Party is footing the bill. Critics argue this move could be seen as leveraging state affairs for electoral gain, questioning the integrity of separating governmental roles from partisan campaigning. Voters will decide in three weeks’ time if it’s a show of leadership, or if it crossing a political boundary.
Hot Mic Hiccup – In a moment of candor caught on a hot mic, Premier Doug Ford admitted that he “100 percent” wanted Donald Trump to win the American presidency last November, before going on to vent his frustration at the President’s tariff threats. It was an uncharacteristic quip for a party known to execute hyper-disciplined campaigns. Opposition party leaders were quick to jump on the comments, claiming it was indicative of Ford’s hypocrisy when it comes to Trump. Despite the hot mic moment, public sentiment has not appeared to change. After seven years of premiership, it seems unlikely voters would shift views on Ford because of one off-hand comment.
Road to Success – Party leaders continued their tours this week, unveiling major commitments around transit. In the nation’s capital, the Progressive Conservatives (PC) and Liberals (OLP) have promised to take on responsibility for the LRT in Ottawa if they form government. PC leader Doug Ford committed to integrating operations of the Ottawa LRT with provincial Crown agency Metrolinx, and OLP leader Bonnie Crombie committed to Stage 3 of the LRT project, extending services to Kanata and Barrhaven. Alternatively, NDP leader Marit Stiles said her party would bring back 50-50 cost-sharing on public transit for municipalities. As Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has expressed challenges securing provincial and federal support for the LRT in the past, these commitments may result in more transit sustainability in the city – and, woo voters who rely on transit to get around.
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