Crombie closes ranks, Ford softens stance
L-Mac attack, lobbyist link-up
ABOVE THE FOLD
It was a busy day for DOUG FORD in which he swapped his stick for a carrot amid the tariff talk, sussed out next steps with the all-Premiers’ Council of the Federation, and, in the middle of it all, got “sideswiped” on the 401 with his OPP escort. More on all that in a moment. But first…
SCOOP — BONNIE CROMBIE is bracing for the possibility of losing some key organizers on her campaign team to the federal Liberal leadership race.
I got my hands on a memo to folks involved in Crombie’s campaign readiness team that asks if anyone is planning on working for a future federal bid. In it, co-campaign directors GENEVIEVE TOMNEY and CHAD WALSH say they “want to remind everyone of our shared priority: Bonnie Crombie’s campaign and the upcoming provincial election.”
“While federal developments are important, our focus must remain on the critical work we’re doing at the provincial level,” they went on to say. “Let’s continue to give our full energy to building a stronger future for our province.”
They then ask if anyone is joining a federal leadership campaign. “If you feel compelled to make a commitment to the federal leadership process please contact us directly prior to doing so.”
While senior members on Team Crombie tell me they’re not worried about bleeding provincial operatives to the feds (and insist the opposite is true), they don’t want the situation in Ottawa to be a distraction — especially with DOUG FORD refusing to rule out a snap vote in Ontario this spring.
“The team is not worried because there is a lot of investment in Bonnie — and we are getting interest from fed-up federal Liberals looking to help us out. But people can’t double dip. It’s another distraction when we need to be focused and intentional,” said one source.
DOUG FORD’S NEW TUNE — The Premier, meanwhile, is softening his stance somewhat when it comes to the tariff talk and pitching an energy alliance with the U.S.
That’s a much different tune than the one he was singing just a few weeks ago, when he threatened to cut off electricity to certain States — and got DONALD TRUMP’s attention. That’s still on the table, Ford says, but his tone has mellowed.
“Fortress Am-Can” would further integrate the electricity grid, establish a U.S.-Canadian lawmaker working group with energy and security experts and align regulations for infrastructure like transmission lines.
Later on, the Premiers discussed a list of potential retaliatory tariffs at their virtual meeting, but they’re keeping it under wraps for now. Ottawa’s list reportedly includes orange juice and ceramics.
The Premiers also talked about what Ford called “a lack of leadership” in Ottawa. That might make for an awkward in-person meeting with JUSTIN TRUDEAU, who is hosting the first ministers in Ottawa next Wednesday. Then on February 12, Ford heads to Washington to meet with lawmakers.
To top it all off: On his way to Queen’s Park from the energy announcement at Darlington, Ford’s OPP vehicle was “sideswiped” on the 401. Ford, his staff and his OPP detail were uninjured, while the people in the other vehicle were treated for minor injuries. The other driver was charged with dangerous driving. Ford told reporters he’s “OK.”
More Trump talk: NDP Leader MARIT STILES weighed in on DONALD TRUMP’s comments about the U.S. not needing Canadian-made cars. “It's time to show Trump what we're made of. New Democrats will fight like hell to protect workers in our auto, agriculture, and forestry sectors. We will stand up for everything that makes Canada and Ontario extraordinary: public healthcare and education, clean air, and water. We won’t take Trump’s bullying, and we won’t back down.”
Liberal JOHN FRASER, meanwhile, told reporters it’s a bit rich for Ford to be calling for stability amid the chaos in Ottawa and Washington, while he refuses to shut down early election rumours. “Ford can’t have it both ways…This is a critical moment, and it’s time for leadership that prioritizes people, not partisanship.” Fraser also called Ford’s recent U.S. media appearances “cringe.”
CLIPPINGS
— L-MAC ATTACK: Longtime PC MPP LISA MacLEOD — famous for her, er, bold statements — is apologizing after landing in hot water for a social media post that suggested a nomination contestant vying to replace her in Nepean supported Sharia Law in Canada. HUSIEN ABU-RAYASH sent MacLeod a lawyer’s letter and MacLeod issued an apology within the hour. She had also gotten into it with Queen’s Park Press Gallery President and Global News Bureau chief COLIN D’MELLO.
— TIMING IS EVERYTHING: More ink is being spilled on the possibility of a snap vote. The Star’s Martin Regg Cohn argues it’s not the right time. But TVO’s John Michael McGrath says no matter what, Ontario will be a battleground.
— IN LTC: “The Ford government is working on plans to allow new long-term care homes to sidestep the local planning process, Global News can reveal, as Ontario races to replace homes facing closure and keep up with demand for new beds.”
— HARD PASS: The Star spoke to experts musing about bringing a congestion charge to Toronto’s roads, a la New York. But that won’t happen under Transportation Minister PRABMEET SARKARIA’s watch.
LOBBY LIST
STATESIDE — Rubicon Strategy — run by KORY TENEYCKE, who served as DOUG FORD and the PCs campaign manager — has linked up with Capitol Counsel — the Washington-based lobbying firm that scored a $1.3-million Ontario government contract to target key U.S. lawmakers before and after the election.
The firms say their new partnership will “address the growing complexities of cross-border trade and government relations” and will “provide clients with unparalleled expertise in navigating U.S.-Canada trade and regulatory challenges.”
Here are the new, renewed and amended registrations over the past 24 hours:
Stephanie DiNucci, Atlas Strategic Advisors: Dancor Construction Ltd.
Christopher Froggatt, Alexandra Hoene and Dan Mader, Loyalist Public Affairs: Electra Battery Materials Corporation
Davin Shinedling, Jenni Byrne + Associates: SDI Canada
Samuel Duncan, Wellington Advocacy: Redeemer University
Kelly Mitchell, KW Mitchell Consulting Services: Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario
Kathleen Walsh, Compass Rose: Gay Lea Foods
Michael Ras, Counsel Public Affairs: Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc.
Devan Sommerville, Counsel Public Affairs: Fusion Homes, Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario
Felix Burns, Counsel Public Affairs: TECHNATION Canada
⏳ COUNTDOWN: T-minus 53 days until the House reconvenes.
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