Ford Nation's biggest beef
All politics is local
ABOVE THE FOLD
Another day, another headline-nabbing presser from the Premier, who has been feeling extra chatty during this unofficial campaign summer. That’s unlike Oppo party leaders, who have been relatively MIA — but that’s about to change. Before we dig in: spicy takes on the bike lane ban are pouring in.
THE POLITICS OF BIKE LANES II — One political operative who has run campaigns in the riding believes the “lightning rod” for DOUG FORD is the Bloor West bike lane extension in Etobicoke, the heart of Ford Nation. Ford called it out specifically on Monday.
All politics is local: PC rep CHRISTINE HOGARTH (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) also did an anti-bike lane survey and has publicly spoken out against them. In one of her recent email blasts to constituents, Hogarth mentioned that “Nearly 60% of Etobicoke-Lakeshore residents expressed their desire to remove these lanes, according to a poll conducted on my website. While the final decision rests with the City Council, I will continue to advocate for our community’s voice to be heard on this matter.”
Hogarth is “easily one of the most vulnerable PCs,” the source contended. “She wants to make [BONNIE] CROMBIE and her competitor [incoming candidate LEE] FAIRCLOUGH come out in favour to skewer her in the Kingsway, Queensway and Leaside neighbourhoods that are part of her electoral backbone.”
New Democrats, meanwhile, are noting the connection between TOM ALLISON — who ran DIPIKA DAMERLA’s mayoral bid in Mississauga, where she came out against bike lanes and placed third — and the current Crombie campaign, which he’s chairing.
Why it matters: Bike lanes have sucked up all the oxygen in the room ever since the news broke (which almost felt like a trial-balloon leak to gauge public opinion) — forcing political rivals like Crombie to take a stance on a hot-button issue that matters most to areas where she’s looking to gain electoral ground. It’s also got the rest of us talking about municipal minutiae rather than things the Ford government might want to avoid scrutiny over, like health care and housing. Go deeper.
DOUG FORD’s stump-style summer continues. Highlights from his Tuesday presser in Port Colborne:
On the Transportation Minister’s office reportedly shutting down Toronto’s request for automated enforcement cameras to crack down on gridlock: Ford seemed to throw PRABMEET SARKARIA under the bus, saying that while “it’s not in the plans,” “we’re always open” and “let’s sit down and at least listen to her,” Mayor OLIVIA CHOW.
When the reporter followed up with, “So, you’re leaving the door open?” Ford jumped in to say: “Well, I always follow the lead of my ministers, and he’s doing an incredible job, Minister Sarkaria — but I’m also of the belief: let’s sit down and listen to what they have in mind.”
On his controversial remarks telling folks at encampments to simply get off their “A-S-S” and apply for work: The Premier doubled down. “Like I said yesterday, you know, anyone out there, they maybe have mental health issues, addictions, disability — I’m always going to take care of those people for the rest of their lives. You’re young, you’re healthy, and you can work? You have to find gainful employment.”
NDP Leader MARIT STILES called his comments “heartless.”
The actual announcement: A $200 million investment by Jungbunzlauer to expand its existing facility in Port Colborne, which makes xantham gum, and will create 50 new jobs and strengthen regional supply chains, according to the government.
Bonus: Say “Jungbunzlauer” five times fast without smirking — Ford couldn’t do it, and cracked a smile when Trade Minister VIC FEDELI said the tongue-twister of a company name.
HAPPENING TODAY
DOUG FORD’S WEDNESDAY — 8:30 a.m.: Hat trick! The Premier holds his third presser in three days along the 401 in Etobicoke, his home turf, alongside his Ministers of Infrastructure, KINGA SURMA, and Transportation, PRABMEET SARKARIA.
OPPO ITIN — Compared to Ford, Oppo leaders have been relatively MIA this summer. That’s about to change with back-to-back pressers in the Media Studio:
— 10:30 a.m.: NDP Leader MARIT STILES will “address the Premier’s irresponsible comments and highlight the need for firm commitments to housing, health care, and affordability ahead of the legislative session.”
— 1:30 p.m.: Liberal captain BONNIE CROMBIE follows, to talk about “Ontario’s ballooning spending on for-profit nursing agencies.” Also on hand: Health critic ADIL SHAMJI. Pre-game read: “Public system spent at least $1.5-billion on private nurses last year,” via the Globe.