What to know
- Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Doug Ford after his Washington trip ended without meetings with the Trump administration.
- A planned U.S. Chamber of Commerce event promoting Ford’s Fortress North America plan was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.
- Stiles called the trip a “photo op” and accused Ford of focusing on national politics while ignoring issues facing Ontarians.
- Ford defended the visit, saying his schedule was “jam packed” with meetings aimed at strengthening economic ties and creating jobs.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles is criticizing Premier Doug Ford after his recent trip to Washington ended without any meetings with members of the U.S. administration, accusing him of “pretending to be Prime Minister” while neglecting issues at home.
Ford travelled to Washington on Monday and Tuesday, where he was expected to participate in an event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce promoting his Fortress North America vision. However, the event was ultimately cancelled due to what organizers described as “conflicting schedules.”
The Premier also left the U.S. capital without securing any meetings with the Trump administration.
Stiles calls trip a ‘photo op’
In a video posted to social media, Stiles criticized both Ford and the purpose of the trip, describing it as another political photo opportunity.
“All this cosplaying as Captain Canada. It is getting old and there are no results to show for it, no results,” Stiles said.
The Ontario NDP leader argued that Ford has become more focused on national political issues than the concerns facing residents in the province.
“And Doug Ford is so busy pretending to be Prime Minister that he seems to have forgotten who he actually works for, you, the people of Ontario,” she said.
Criticism comes amid legislature’s extended summer break
The Washington trip comes shortly after Ontario’s legislature began a 21-week recess, a decision that has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
Stiles used the trip to once again target the Ford government’s decision to suspend legislative proceedings for an extended period.
“He’s kicked off his extended summer vacation with a sightseeing trip to Washington on your dime,” she said. “Ontario is so much better than this. Ontario deserves better than this.”
Stiles added that she plans to continue focusing on issues such as affordability, post-secondary education funding, health care, housing and schools.
“I’m going to keep fighting for affordability, OSAP, hospitals, schools, housing, and actual results,” she said.
Ford says Washington schedule was ‘jam packed’
Despite the criticism, Ford defended the trip and said his delegation held numerous meetings with business and policy leaders during its time in Washington.
“Just making sure that we are sending a message to the policymakers and business leaders regarding building Fortress North America,” Ford told reporters.
“We have been jammed meeting everyone out here. They rolled out the red carpet for us. They treat us so well.”
Ford emphasized the importance of strengthening economic relationships with U.S. partners, arguing that cross-border agreements can help create jobs and support economic growth on both sides of the border.
