MISSISSAUGA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stepped into municipal politics in an unusually direct way, openly declaring his support for incumbent Mayor Carolyn Parrish while sharply criticizing former mayor Bonnie Crombie.
Speaking during a press conference in Mississauga, Ford said he typically avoids involvement in local elections — but made it clear this race is different.
“I never get involved in municipal elections, but I will send an army down here to make sure I support Mayor Parrish,” Ford said, praising her as “an absolute champ.”
His comments come amid growing speculation that Crombie could return to municipal politics and challenge Parrish in the October 2026 mayoral election.
Crombie, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2024 before moving to provincial politics, has not ruled out another run following her resignation as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party earlier this year. Her political comeback would set up a high-profile contest between two well-known figures in Mississauga.
Ford, however, did not hold back in his criticism of Crombie’s previous tenure, calling it “an absolute disaster,” accusing her of raising taxes and mishandling housing policies.
“Bring it on. Let’s go. We’re ready,” Ford said, signaling a potentially heated political battle ahead.
Parrish, who won a 2024 byelection to replace Crombie, has already confirmed she intends to run for one more term. She has welcomed the possibility of a contest with her predecessor, calling it “a fabulous challenge” and expressing interest in debating Crombie.
The next municipal election is scheduled for October 26, 2026, and the race in Mississauga — one of Canada’s largest cities — is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched local political contests in Ontario.
Ford’s unusually strong intervention underscores the broader political stakes, with municipal leadership increasingly intersecting with provincial dynamics, especially on key issues like housing and affordability.