A Politician Known for His Direct Approach
Ford is no stranger to the spotlight. Having led Ontario since 2018, he recently secured a third consecutive majority government—only the second premier in the province’s history to do so. He hails from Toronto’s well-known “Ford Nation” political dynasty, which was initially dominated by his late brother, former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.
His leadership style is defined by accessibility; he often gives out his personal cell phone number, encouraging direct communication with constituents. At a recent news conference, he acknowledged receiving over 4,000 messages about tariffs alone.
However, Ford’s tenure has not been without controversy. His government is under police investigation over a scrapped land development deal involving protected land. His stance on Trump has also sparked disagreements, particularly with Alberta Premier Smith, who favors a more diplomatic approach.
Other world leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have also opted for diplomatic engagement with Trump. Yet Ford’s more confrontational approach appears to resonate with many Canadians.
Despite his tough rhetoric, Ford has also shown moments of conciliation. Announcing his electricity price hike plan, he told Americans, “Believe me, I don’t want to do this,” but reaffirmed that protecting Ontario jobs is his top priority.
As he heads into Thursday’s high-stakes negotiations, Ford is expected to maintain this balance—firm but willing to negotiate. How Trump will ultimately respond remains to be seen.
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