Ontario Premier Doug Ford has congratulated Liberal Party Leader Mark Carney on his 2025 federal election victory but has called on the prime minister to honour some commitments.
The Liberals look set to form a minority government after they topped Monday’s polls, defeating Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, Ford said the election comes at an essential time for Ontario and Canada as workers and businesses face the uncertainty of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
He added that Ontario is ready to collaborate with the federal government to unleash Canada’s economy by “cutting red tape.”
“We can make Canada’s economy more competitive, resilient and self-reliant, capable of withstanding tariffs and whatever challenges may come our way,” Ford said.
“To do so, I am calling on Prime Minister Carney to fulfill his commitment to speed up approvals for critical mineral and other resource development projects, particularly in the Ring of Fire.”
Ford also urged Carney to support the provincial government’s adoption of nuclear energy, including the first small modular reactors in the G7, as well as infrastructure investments.
He says the province is ready to work with the federal government to “tear down” internal trade barriers and promote economic integration across Canada.
“To that end, I am calling on Prime Minister Carney to join us in supporting new nation-building infrastructure, including pipelines, highways, railways, seaports and airports, to help Canadian goods reach new customers in new markets while binding our country together and reducing our reliance on the United States.”
The party leader also urged Carney to commit to “real and meaningful” bail reform to keep the public safe and take “violent, repeat offenders” off the streets.
“Finally, I am calling on Prime Minister Carney to meet our national defence commitments, using Canadian-made equipment wherever possible, to support our workers and meet our obligations to our allies, including by meeting and exceeding Canada’s 2% of GDP NATO spending target,” Ford commented.
“I look forward to working with Prime Minister Carney to protect the workers, businesses and communities of Ontario and Canada.”
Ford’s message of support for Carney comes in light of damning criticism of the Ontario Premier by an incumbent Conservative MP.
Speaking to CBC News on Monday night, Javil Jivani, who topped the polls in Bowmanville-Oshawa North, accused Ford of “sabotaging” the Conservatives’ campaign.
“I see Doug Ford as a problem for Ontario and Canada. I think he’s not doing a great job in running this province and now he’s trying to exercise his influence over other levels of government, and it’s not like this guy is doing anything particularly well,” said Jivani.
Jivani commented after Ford criticized Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s campaign just over a fortnight ago.
Speaking to Global News on April 14, Ford doubled down on comments made by his campaign manager Kory Teneycke, who accused Poilievre and his team of “blowing a 25-point lead” to the Liberal Party, calling it “campaign malpractice at the highest level.”
“To be very frank, if Kory was running that campaign, I don’t think Mr. Poilievre would be in the position he’s in right now. But there’s still a lot of time left, and we still have debates. At the end of the day, the people will decide which way they want this country to move forward,” Ford said.
“But sometimes, the truth hurts.”
Pierre Poilievre is projected to lose his seat in Carleton, Ontario, but has vowed to “continue to fight” for Canadians and work with the new Liberal government to protect Canada.
You can read more about the projected results, Mark Carney’s victory speech, Jagmeet Singh’s resignation as NDP leader, and more at Narcity’s election hub.
