What to know
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford appeared to signal support for Olivia Chow at a Wednesday morning press conference.
- Ford praised his relationship with Chow and said she is “doing an incredible job.”
- When asked about his position in the municipal election, Ford told reporters to “read between the lines.”
- Ford did not explicitly endorse Chow, after previously saying he did not want to get involved in the race.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has seemingly signalled support for mayoral candidate Olivia Chow, telling reporters to “read between the lines” when asked about his stance in the municipal election.
Ford made the comments at an unrelated press conference Wednesday morning alongside representatives from all three levels of government, including Chow and federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.
Ford was asked where he stands in the municipal election after previously saying he did not want to get involved in the race.
He pointed to his relationship with Chow, describing it as “phenomenal.”
“We’ve given the city of Toronto more money than they’ve ever seen in their lives, over $9 billion,” Ford said.
Ford then appeared to offer his strongest indication yet of support for Chow.
“We’re going to continue supporting the mayor. She’s doing an incredible job,” he said.
“Read between the lines,” Ford added.
Ford did not explicitly say that he is endorsing Chow.
Until now, the premier had sought to stay out of the municipal election and had not publicly endorsed or expressed support for a candidate.
His comments Wednesday, however, mark a notable shift from that position, with Ford appearing to signal that he wants Chow to remain in office.
The remarks also come as the mayoral campaign enters its final stretch, with candidates seeking support ahead of the Oct. 26 election.
