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ABOVE THE FOLD
When I set out to interview BONNIE CROMBIE, I didn’t think she’d have much to say about her rumoured bid for Ontario Liberal leader.
Even her handlers warned me that she’d probably stay tight-lipped. Crombie is “more than 80 per cent” in, said one of her close advisers, but they’re quick to add that it’s “not a done deal.”
Still, Crombie is all the rage in Liberal circles and beyond, with supporters seeing her as a heavyweight contender in a crowded field.
“You could put her and DOUG FORD in a race and he’ll be huffing and puffing while she’s already at the finish line,” said one source.
Indeed, the Mississauga Mayor is used to going toe-to-toe with the Premier — and the night I interviewed her was no exception.
We’re scheduled to chat in-between city council meetings, and she’s late for our call. Crombie apologizes and explains that she just got off the line with Ford’s office. “All truth be told there was a call with the Premier’s Office discussing…priorities,” she says and laughs.
With nearly 10 years at City Hall under her belt, the 63-year-old often says she loves her job — and that tends to be her line when reporters press her on whether she’ll give it all up for the chance to lead the third-place, unrecognized Grits. So I wasn’t holding my breath for a definitive answer.
But I had to ask — and this time, Crombie had plenty to say.
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. Where do you stand on running for Liberal leader? “This is something I’m giving a lot of thought to, changing my path, because I’ve served at two levels of government, I have some strong leadership skills, I think I have strong governing skills. That differentiates me from the current candidates who are considering putting their names in — they didn’t have a $4-billion budget to govern. I have.”