PC Leader Defends Trade Mission as Opposition Criticizes Timing
While Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford heads to Washington, D.C., today to meet with U.S. lawmakers and business leaders, his opposition rivals remain on the campaign trail in Ontario ahead of the February 27 snap election.
Ford is traveling as part of his role as chair of the Council of the Federation, joining other provincial premiers in an effort to strengthen U.S.-Canada trade ties amid President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats on steel and aluminum.
While Ford has defended his decision to balance campaigning with trade negotiations, opposition leaders have questioned whether the trip is appropriate so close to election day.
Meanwhile, the NDP, Liberal, and Green Party leaders are staying in Ontario, focusing on campaign stops and policy announcements:
NDP Leader Marit Stiles – Making an announcement in Kitchener
Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie – Continuing campaign events in Toronto
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner – Speaking in Kitchener before attending a candidates’ debate in Guelph
With just over two weeks until Ontario voters head to the polls, Ford’s high-profile visit to Washington adds another dynamic to an already competitive race. Whether voters see his trip as a necessary trade mission or an election distraction remains to be seen.