Canadian politics, based at Queen’s Park in Toronto. I like to lunch. Find me @globeandmail; on @CTV_PowerPlay Mondays at 5:30 ET and @YourMorning Tuesdays.
#BREAKING: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called Premier Doug Ford today after his press conference - call described as "tough" and "aggressive" with Lutnick telling Ford to stand down. Premier said no and that if anything, he'll go harder, acc to 2 senior govt sources #onpoli
“This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” Premier Ford tells CNN, adding month-long reprieve on autos only creates uncertainty. Says he just got off phone with Minnesota Gov. (and Harris VP pick) Walz “what a gentleman he is, what an absolute champion he is”
#BREAKING: When asked if Ontario is pulling the Ronald Reagan TV ads, Ontario Premier Doug Ford tells the @globeandmail: “I will be running the ad tonight for the World Series” #onpoli#cdnpoli
Former PM Stephen Harper takes the stage at Pierre Poilievre rally in Edmonton. Says he is in the unique position in this campaign - both men in the race once worked for him. Says his choice “without a shadow of a doubt”, is Pierre Poilievre, to huge cheers
NEW: The Ontario Medical Association @OntariosDoctors calls for mandatory vaccinations: “All health-care workers should be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves, their patients and the community. #onpoli
NEW: Health Minister @PattyHajdu says provinces and territories are “free to use AstraZeneca” in any age range they choose, it’s approved by Health Canada 18+. Says NACI reviewing 55+ recommendation. “There is nothing stopping the province of Ontario.” #onpoli#cdnpoli
NEW: Liberal leader @StevenDelDuca is calling on Premier @fordnation's government to vaccine all 200K education workers who want a shot during next week's April break #onpoli
Ahahaha, moderator for this Ontario Place conference tells reporters, when asked about trees getting removed, "That is the only questions we'll be taking about the trees."
"I think we'll ask whatever question we like," @jeffreybgray, the next reporter up, says in response.
Ford says PM Carney stayed at his cottage last night after dinner with the premiers. “We had dinner. We were up till 12:30 at night, chatting in front of the fireplace, solving all the world's problems,” Ford said, calling Carney “the most humble person you'd ever want to meet.”
#BREAKING: @fordnation office:
“While we appreciate the Prime Minister’s offer, unless it is matched with an increase in supply, we do not need the Red Cross at this time for the administration of vaccines in Ontario. We do not have a capacity issue, we have a supply issue.”
