Premier Doug Ford's Ontario

[txlseries4]

Ontario: 4 Point Race, Ford PCs 40%, Leaderless Liberals 36%

February 25, 2026 (Toronto, ON) – A new Liaison Strategies of Ontario reveals a tightening provincial race, with the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) and the Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) nearly neck-and-neck among decided and leaning voters. The PCs led by Doug Ford would garner 40% of the decided...

press.liaisonstrategies.ca

A new Liaison Strategies of Ontario reveals a tightening provincial race, with the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) and the Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) nearly neck-and-neck among decided and leaning voters. The PCs led by Doug Ford would garner 40% of the decided and leaning vote, followed closely by the Ontario Liberals at 36%. The Ontario NDP sits at 17%, with the Green Party at 5%.

Friday marks one year since the 2025 Ontario election. Liaison was ranked #1 for accuracy in Ontario in 2025, and #2 nationally in the 2025 federal election.

Liaison surveyed a random sample of 1,000 Ontarians from February 20-22, 2026, using Interactive Voice Recording (IVR) technology.

David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies, said the following:

"While the PCs maintain a four-point lead among decided voters, we are seeing a significant consolidation of the Liberal vote, particularly in key regions like the 416 and 905. In October the PCs were at 47% - now they are at 40%. Every month we have seen them shedding one or two points. If the trend continues, they will soon be tied with the Liberals or trailing."

"In the 416, the Liberals have opened up a ten-point lead over the PCs, while the two parties are effectively tied in the 905 belt surrounding Toronto."

"The race is tightening - despite the fact the Ontario Liberals have no permanent leader and their leadership race has barely begun."

"At the same time, the governing party has been airing countless 'Protect Ontario' ads. I've seen them on TV, heard them on the radio, and they even play before movies at Cineplex. It's worth wondering what the numbers would be if the ads weren't airing."

"The poll also highlights challenges for Premier Doug Ford regarding personal popularity. Currently, 66% of Ontarians disapprove of the job he is doing, compared to 30% who approve."

"The Premier’s approval rating remains a point of vulnerability. Despite a strong PC lead in Eastern Ontario and Southwestern Ontario, the high disapproval numbers, reaching over 70% in the North, South Central, and the 416, suggest that the opposition has a substantial audience for their message."

"This is one of three releases focused on Ontario this week, given that the anniversary of the election is on Friday. We'll have more on Ontario, tomorrow."

The PCs lead in Eastern Ontario, Southwest Ontario, and Southcentral Ontario. The Liberals lead in Toronto, the 905 (!!!), and the North.

Interesting to see the mood shifting in the face of this story:

Michael Taube: Doug Ford's daughter lets slip he may run for Conservative leader 'at some point'

Krista Haynes' podcast banter revives long-standing rumors of Ford jumping to federal Conservative leadership — if Poilievre falters

nationalpost.com

The cat was let out of the bag (sort of) by Ford’s daughter, Krista Haynes. This occurred during her recent appearance on the podcast Can’t Be Censored, hosted by Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong. “Your grandmother once told us that one day, a Ford would be the Prime Minister,” Wong said to Haynes. “Which Ford is that going to be?” Haynes nervously laughed and said, “Next question!” Dhanraj interjected and said, “Is there anxiety around that? Do you think he’ll run?” Haynes said, “Pardon?,” and Dhanraj continued, “Do you think he’ll actually, like, run for Conservative leader at some point?” Haynes’s response? “Yeah. Yeah, at some point.”

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

I think it was told to me that CPC is in a 3 way split for it's soul. That is, Maple MAGA's, Wexiters and Ford Nation. Couldn't happen to a nice party...

 

[narduch]

Aren't the Wexiters also Maple magas?

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

Aren't the Wexiters also Maple magas?

I think that's a yes and no answer. But I distinguish them between those that want to leave Canada and those that don't. And for what that's worth. >.<

 

[thettctransitfanatic]

Ontario: Ford Government Faces Widespread Disapproval Across Key Policy Files

February 27, 2026 (Toronto, ON) – A comprehensive new Liaison Strategies survey reveals that a majority of Ontarians are dissatisfied with the provincial government’s performance across seven major policy areas, ranging from affordability to ethics. The survey found that the Ford government...

press.liaisonstrategies.ca

A comprehensive new Liaison Strategies survey reveals that a majority of Ontarians are dissatisfied with the provincial government’s performance across seven major policy areas, ranging from affordability to ethics.

The survey found that the Ford government faces its most significant challenges in the areas of housing and the cost of living. Both files currently see a total disapproval rating of 71%, with only 19% of respondents approving of the government's handling of housing affordability and 20% approving of their work on the cost of living.

Today marks one year since the 2025 Ontario election. Liaison was ranked #1 for accuracy in Ontario in 2025, and #2 nationally in the 2025 federal election.

Liaison surveyed a random sample of 1,000 Ontarians from February 20-22, 2026, using Interactive Voice Recording (IVR) technology.

Issue	Total Approval	Total Disapproval	Not Sure
Overall Job Performance	30%	66%	4%
Healthcare	25%	70%	5%
Education	31%	57%	11%
Cost of Living	20%	71%	9%
Housing Affordability	19%	70%	11%
The Environment	35%	54%	11%
Crime	30%	62%	8%
Ethics	28%	66%	6%

David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies, said the following:

"The data shows a government struggling to gain public confidence on the issues that matter most to the daily lives of Ontarians. With disapproval reaching 70% or higher on healthcare, housing, and affordability, there is a clear and consistent message from the electorate that the current approach is not resonating."

"The government also faces majority disapproval on healthcare (70%), ethics (66%), education (57%), crime (62%), and the environment (54%). While the environment remains one of the government's strongest files relative to others, it still fails to garner a majority approval, sitting at 35%. Partly, this score may reflect that Ontarians are prioritizing cost of living issues."

"Even on files like crime and the environment, where the government sees its highest approval ratings, they are still underwater with the majority of the public. Notably, the 'Not Sure' ratings on ethics and crime are now as low as 6% and 8% respectively, suggesting that voters have largely made up their minds on these issues."

"Despite tough issue scores it's worth remembering our Wednesday release showed the PCs are still leading - albeit, by a small margin."

 

[Towered]

Ontario: Ford Government Faces Widespread Disapproval Across Key Policy Files

February 27, 2026 (Toronto, ON) – A comprehensive new Liaison Strategies survey reveals that a majority of Ontarians are dissatisfied with the provincial government’s performance across seven major policy areas, ranging from affordability to ethics. The survey found that the Ford government...

press.liaisonstrategies.ca

A comprehensive new Liaison Strategies survey reveals that a majority of Ontarians are dissatisfied with the provincial government’s performance across seven major policy areas, ranging from affordability to ethics.

The survey found that the Ford government faces its most significant challenges in the areas of housing and the cost of living. Both files currently see a total disapproval rating of 71%, with only 19% of respondents approving of the government's handling of housing affordability and 20% approving of their work on the cost of living.

Today marks one year since the 2025 Ontario election. Liaison was ranked #1 for accuracy in Ontario in 2025, and #2 nationally in the 2025 federal election.

Liaison surveyed a random sample of 1,000 Ontarians from February 20-22, 2026, using Interactive Voice Recording (IVR) technology.

Issue	Total Approval	Total Disapproval	Not Sure
Overall Job Performance	30%	66%	4%
Healthcare	25%	70%	5%
Education	31%	57%	11%
Cost of Living	20%	71%	9%
Housing Affordability	19%	70%	11%
The Environment	35%	54%	11%
Crime	30%	62%	8%
Ethics	28%	66%	6%

David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies, said the following:

"The data shows a government struggling to gain public confidence on the issues that matter most to the daily lives of Ontarians. With disapproval reaching 70% or higher on healthcare, housing, and affordability, there is a clear and consistent message from the electorate that the current approach is not resonating."

"The government also faces majority disapproval on healthcare (70%), ethics (66%), education (57%), crime (62%), and the environment (54%). While the environment remains one of the government's strongest files relative to others, it still fails to garner a majority approval, sitting at 35%. Partly, this score may reflect that Ontarians are prioritizing cost of living issues."

"Even on files like crime and the environment, where the government sees its highest approval ratings, they are still underwater with the majority of the public. Notably, the 'Not Sure' ratings on ethics and crime are now as low as 6% and 8% respectively, suggesting that voters have largely made up their minds on these issues."

"Despite tough issue scores it's worth remembering our Wednesday release showed the PCs are still leading - albeit, by a small margin."

Too bad there's no election around the corner...

 

[zang]

Too bad there's no election around the corner...

Could be, if enough people in conservative ridings make a stink. Especially those that leaned Liberal prior to Ford.

 

[afransen]

Could be, if enough people in conservative ridings make a stink. Especially those that leaned Liberal prior to Ford.

Zero chance of an early election.

 

[zang]

Zero chance of an early election.

Just expressing my wish of people actually bothering to stand up for what they claim they want.

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

The numbers shown here would still unlikely translate into a Conservative loss because it's close to 60% of eligible voters that would not vote for them The same it has been for the last three elections...

...but it does suggest again if a mildly charismatic Liberal candidate will step up to the leadership here, there's a good chance they would flip the vote. The Tory support has always been on thin ice that way, IMO.

 

[afransen]

The numbers shown here would still unlikely translate into a Conservative loss because it's close to 60% of eligible voters that would not vote for them The same it has been for the last three elections...

...but it does suggest again if a mildly charismatic Liberal candidate will step up to the leadership here, there's a good chance they would flip the vote. The Tory support has always been on thin ice that way, IMO.

There's a long time until the election. The Liberals are enjoying some support in absence of a leader that can be attacked by negative advertising. Too soon to draw conclusions.

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

There's a long time until the election. The Liberals are enjoying some support in absence of a leader that can be attacked by negative advertising. Too soon to draw conclusions.

I am not denying that. This is why I am using "suggests" and "chance" here as there is no guarantee that things won't go south again along the way. >.<

 

[thettctransitfanatic]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/doug-ford-roads-ring-of-fire-schedule-accelerated-9.7110986

Ford says roads connecting Ring of Fire to Ontario highways will be completed years ahead of schedule​

Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations sign agreements, Neskantaga First Nation says it's left out​

Premier Doug Ford says his government will begin work this year to connect Ontario’s highways to the Ring of Fire, with access roads to the mineral-rich area now expected to be in place by November 2031.

The new timeline will see the project completed years ahead of schedule and will help spur mining of critical minerals in the province, Ford said Monday at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

“Nothing's more promising than the Ring of Fire, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create more than 70,000 jobs, make Ontario a critical mineral superpower, and add $22 billion to our province's economy [over the next 30 years],” Ford said, repeating numbers he’s previously shared.


Construction on the Webequie Supply Road and Marten Falls Community Access Road is slated to begin later this year, according to a news release from the province, while construction on the Northern Link Road — joining the two other roads — is expected to get underway in 2028 and open three years later.

Ford has sought to speed up Ring of Fire development​

Recently, Ford’s government has worked to accelerate development of the area, saying economic uncertainty coming from the U.S. requires economic projects to be fast-tracked.

Last year, the province passed the controversial Bill 5, which empowers the province to create “special economic zones,” where cabinet can exempt companies or projects from having to comply with any provincial law, provincial regulation or municipal bylaw. Ford previously said he wanted to designate the Ring of Fire as one of those zones.

Many surrounding First Nations and environmental groups went to Queen’s Park last year to protest the law, saying the province’s push for development hasn’t allowed them the time and resources to be properly consulted about how these projects may affect them.

Ford said Monday that he no longer plans to make the Ring of Fire a special economic zone.

"We don't need it when we have great partners," he said, referring to First Nations in the area.

At a Queen's Park news conference with Neskantaga First Nation leadership, New Democratic Party deputy leader Sol Mamakwa said the community hasn't been properly consulted or provided free, prior informed consent. He added Bill 5 doesn't supersede the rights of Indigenous people.

"Bill 5 is a small hammer that government has," Mamakwa said. "First Nations have a bigger hammer and they will stand up to Bill 5, they will stand up to development if need [be]."

"Ring of Fire will not happen without the free, informed consent of the people that live in these homelands that live in these territories," he added.

Ford also signed a deal with Prime Minister Mark Carney at the end of last year agreeing to a streamlined and flexible assessment process on major projects, including the Ring of Fire.

'A chance to be equal partners': Marten Falls chief​

Multiple First Nations have signed various agreements with the province to help build roads to the region, as well as develop the area where it connects to the provincial highway system. That includes Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations, whose chiefs joined Ford Monday to sign new economic partnership agreements with the province.

Ford said those agreements will ensure the First Nations in the Ring of Fire region are full economic partners and benefit from job opportunities associated with development there.

The agreement means a "future for our youth," said Marten Falls Chief Bruce Achneepineskum.

"We need to give our youth a chance to be equal partners to move forward in this area where there's development and training opportunities available and future jobs," he said.

Marten Falls wants to take the lead on any development happening in its traditional territories, Achneepineskum added.

New Webequie Chief Lorraine Whitehead, who beat longtime chief Cornelius Wabasse in a narrow election victory in late January, said the agreement provides "training, education, capacity building" that her community needs for economic opportunities.

"For Webequie, this is about self-determination," she said. "It is about ensuring that our community members are fully participating and leading any work happening on our lands, whether it be business development, construction, environmental monitoring, engineering."

Whitehead also said she is looking for a review of the project.

"I want to be clear this government-to-government announcement today with Ontario is only the beginning of a conversation to explore commercial possibilities," she said. "I want to say that we look forward to meeting with the industry to discuss an Indigenous-led environmental review."

 

[thettctransitfanatic]

Ontario Newsroom

news.ontario.ca

Premier Doug Ford today named Travis Kann as his new chief of staff, effective March 6, 2026. “During his time in government, Travis has helped steer our government through some of Ontario and Canada’s most significant challenges, including our ongoing response to the economic threat posed by President Trump’s tariffs,” said Premier Ford. “As Ontario continues to navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, no one is better positioned to provide steady, disciplined leadership for our government.” In his dual roles as principal secretary and head of Ontario-U.S. engagement, Mr. Kann has been responsible for working across government to lead the execution of the premier’s plan to protect Ontario, including priority initiatives such as the design of special economic zones, breaking down internal trade barriers and speeding up the construction of the roads to the Ring of Fire. Mr. Kann has also been responsible for developing and implementing the government-wide strategy to build relationships and drive key advocacy outcomes with American lawmakers in Washington and at the state level, including most recently during the lead-up to the review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. “I am immensely proud of the enormous contributions that Patrick has made to our government, to our province and to our country,” said Premier Ford. “After eight years of dedicated service to our government and province, Patrick is leaving behind a legacy few people can match and Ontario’s future is brighter because of his time as chief of staff. I am so thankful for Patrick’s leadership and service. There are amazing things ahead for him.” Patrick Sackville will remain with the government until March 6, 2026 to support an effective transition in leadership.

 

[thettctransitfanatic]

Toronto convention centre could be piece of Ontario Place puzzle, Ford hints | Globalnews.ca

The premier has hinted he would like to rebuild Toronto's convention centre near Ontario Place, perhaps on the grounds of Exhibition Place.

globalnews.ca

Toronto convention centre could be piece of Ontario Place puzzle, Ford hints​

Premier Doug Ford is hinting that his idea for a brand new convention centre will be located near Ontario Place, promising an announcement once he has co-ordinated with other levels of government.

The premier recently declared the Metro Toronto Convention Centre was “one of the worst” in the world and said he would spend “a few billion dollars” building a new one.

The policy hasn’t been officially announced, but over several public appearances, Ford has dripped out details of what it could look like.

Most recently, he has hinted at where it might be.

During an unrelated event on Monday, Ford described how someone who visited his planned convention centre would remember the experience.

“Wow, this is world-class,” he imagined someone saying. “Then, I was able to go down to the science centre with the kids, then we caught a concert at Live Nation. Or we went to the waterpark.”

Ford also said his plan would be for a “world-class, state-of-the-art” convention centre that spans two million square feet.

In response to the suggestion that Exhibition Place grounds were the only area large enough to accommodate that size of building near the new science centre or Ontario Place’s planned Therme waterpark, Ford didn’t deny the idea.

“Just stay tuned, I have to just cross some T’s, dot some I’s,” he said. “When you see it, it’s going to be jaw-dropping.”

Ford made his concerns about the Metro Toronto Convention Centre public last Thursday when he unveiled new designs for the Ontario Science Centre.

That evening, he went to an event at the convention centre and repeated his concerns.

“The Toronto Convention Centre, it’s had its life,” Ford told a surprised audience. “It’s a terrible convention centre.”

The comment was met with raised eyebrows, especially by those working at the convention centre where the event was being held, prompting the premier to quickly say it was “no one’s fault in this room.”

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre, which describes itself as a “globally acclaimed, premier choice for event planners,” is a Crown corporation of the Ontario government located beside the CN Tower in the heart of the downtown core.

Recently, however, the centre has struggled to fill the 442,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and, according to a review by Ontario’s Auditor General, lost 20 international conventions “because the conventions had outgrown the centre.”

“Event planners we spoke to told us there was a shortage of meeting rooms and pre-function areas at MTCC,” the auditor said in a 2023 report, which highlighted that the post-pandemic occupancy rate stood at 54 per cent.

For Ford, the convention centre’s status also weighs heavily in the government’s decision.

“Do you know that out of 25 of the largest cities that have conventions, we’re in last place,” Ford told the audience at the convention centre on Thursday. “We’re going to go from number 24 up to number one.”

The premier promised this week his new plan for a convention centre wouldn’t enable a gambling centre in the downtown, something pitched more than a decade ago by one of the owners of convention centre land.

“It won’t have a casino, that’s an automatic,” he said.