Ford hits the fundraising circuit

Also: Freedom Convoy fallout, strong mayors incoming, Pickering pricetag, ambulance changes

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Premier DOUG FORD is back on the fundraising circuit — while defending Ontario’s role in dealing with the so-called Freedom Convoy and offering more hints on strong mayors. Meanwhile, the countdown to a possible education strike is on.

CASH GRAB — Ford is revving up the PCs money-making machine with back-to-back big-ticket fundraisers this week.

Tory supporters who cough up $1,000 can rub elbows with the Premier in Brampton tonight, or hang out on his home turf in Etobicoke on Thursday. Invite.

Ford is also gearing up for the PCs convention this weekend. Catch up on our scoop about the incoming party executive.

Up until now, the PCs wouldn’t always list Ford’s attendance at their fundraisers, though they would name other ministers. The Premier’s official itinerary isn’t always shared with reporters in full, either.

With the House in recess and his popularity slipping, Ford has been laying relatively low, taking more photo-ops than Q-and-As with reporters.

But on Monday,…