Doug Ford favors collaboration with Mark Carney over Poilievre

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has established a stronger connection with federal Liberal leader Mark Carney than with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. This relationship is evident as Ford collaborates with Carney, while Poilievre struggles to gain his support. In recent provincial elections, Doug Ford successfully appealed to voters by positioning himself against foreign influences, particularly Donald Trump. Now, Carney aims to emulate Ford's strategy as he seeks to win back the prime minister’s office, using the same American threats in his campaign. Ontario is crucial for federal elections. It holds 122 of the 343 federal seats, making it an essential battleground for any aspiring national leader. Ford’s governing party shares a voter base that overlaps with traditional Liberal voters, a strategy that Poilievre has yet to fully embrace. While Ford has held meetings and made overtures to the federal Liberals, he has not afforded the same courtesy to Poilievre. Their only phone call occurred weeks after Ford's provincial election win, highlighting a gap in their relationship. The premier has emphasized that his focus remains on Ontario and not on assisting the federal Conservatives. The difference in their interactions stems from Ford's political strategy. He wants to maintain appeal among centrist voters in Ontario and believes associating with Liberals is beneficial. Meanwhile, Poilievre has not built the same rapport, which limits his outreach and effectiveness. Historically, alliances have shifted in Canadian politics, and Ford's cooperation with his opponents is a tactical move in the current climate. As Carney and Ford navigate their new partnership, Poilievre finds himself on the outside looking in, struggling to connect with Ford in a rapidly changing political landscape.