Candidates, cameos, crossings

Strike averted

ABOVE THE FOLD

Fresh off another round of international media hits, the Premier will meet with reporters on home soil in Darlington this morning.

What reporters want to talk about: DOUG FORD has been cagey on the timing of the next election, refusing to rule one out as soon as this spring. Don’t hold your breath for a definitive answer today (which may be by design) — but there’s plenty other juicy happenings to sink our teeth into.

That includes this afternoon’s all-Premiers’ virtual meeting to discuss the tariff tango with DONALD TRUMP — (JUSTIN TRUDEAU is also hosting a meeting at the Premiers’ behest next Wednesday) — and beefed-up border security measures, including 200 more OPP officers on the U.S. front.

What Ford wants to talk about: The Premier has been leaning into the role as de facto leader of Canada, telling reporters on the BBC, Fox News and CNN this week that he and his fellow first ministers will step up amid the chaos in Ottawa.

Asked about Trudeau’s resignation, Ford tol…