Wynne questions why Ford has twice commented on her smile at election debates

PARRY SOUND — Doug Ford has now commented twice on Kathleen Wynne’s smile, and the Liberal leader doesn’t know why.

During a televised election debate Monday, the Progressive Conservative leader turned to Wynne and said, “You’ve got a nice smile on your face.”

Wynne laughed awkwardly and said, “So do you.”

Ford remarked on it again Friday during another televised debate in Parry Sound.

As the two leaders shook hands,Ford said to Wynne, “Still like that smile.”

“I’m not sure what my smile has got to do with making good policy for the north or anywhere else in the province,” she said after the debate.

“It was a reminder to always keep things friendly,” Ford spokesperson Melissa Lantsman said in a statement. “Doug Ford made the same comment after the second debate as a way of saying they are rivals on stage, but he respects her.”

Liberals took to social media to say the remarks were sexist, while others accused them of overreacting.

“I think for people who haven’t had their professional expertise ... diminished by a focus on their appearance, then yes, when you see the negative reaction to Mr. Ford’s comments, it probably does seem a little misplaced,” said University of Toronto political science professor Erin Tolley.

“But for those who have been told to smile more, dress differently in order to succeed ... , Mr. Ford’s focus on Premier Wynne’s appearance carries that sting.”