Country has to stay united, Ford says
Election results spark offer to host premiers
TORONTO • National unity was top of mind for Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Monday as he offered to host a meeting of provincial leaders to address what he called Western Canada’s alienation in the wake of the federal election.
Ford made the comments during his first news conference since the federal Liberals were re-elected last month but did not win a seat in Alberta or Saskatchewan.
He said he was troubled by the results of the Oct. 21 federal vote, but added he understood the concerns of people in Western Canada.
“People in Alberta, people in Saskatchewan ... they just feel like they’re being ignored,” Ford said. “I’ve never seen this country so divided but we have to stay united.”
During the 40-day election campaign, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau often took aim at Ford, campaigning against the Ontario premier who made few public appearances and did not stump for the federal Conservatives.
Ford said the idea of hosting a meeting came up during a conference call on Friday with almost all of the premiers. He said they also discussed infrastructure, health-care spending, and
WE HAVE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO THE WORLD THAT THERE’S CERTAINTY HERE.
holding Ottawa to commitments the Liberals made during the campaign.
“We have to work together,” Ford said of the provincial and territorial leaders. “We have to send a message to the world that there’s certainty here ... All the premiers that we spoke to thought it would be a good idea to get together and send that message. But also, let’s listen to the concerns of people out west.”
Ford also said it’s important to listen to Quebec, especially given that the Bloc won more seats than any other party in that province.
A spokeswoman for Trudeau said Canadians expect elected officials from all levels of government to work together for the country.
“In contrast with his predecessor (Stephen Harper), the prime minister has held regular First Ministers’ meetings over the past four years and intends to continue doing so in the years ahead,” Chantal Gagnon said in a statement.
Ford also made a fundraising pitch to his supporters Monday based on his national unity messaging, mirroring his comments to reporters.
“I’m good friends with these premiers. Out West, and in Quebec too,” Ford said in the appeal. “If Trudeau doesn’t get this right, some really big problems are going to get a whole lot worse.”
The Canadian Press