Doug Ford Rejects Pierre Poilievre’s Campaign Outreach, Stays on the Sidelines: Report

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has made it clear he will remain on the sidelines during the upcoming federal election, despite Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s attempt to seek his advice. According to a Toronto Star report, Ford rebuffed Poilievre’s bid for guidance, affirming his focus on governing Ontario rather than getting involved in federal politics.

The two leaders spoke over the phone for nearly 30 minutes on Monday—18 days after Ford’s re-election win on February 27. While the call was intended as a belated congratulations, insiders revealed it was often tense due to their lack of personal rapport.

Poilievre reportedly asked Ford for his “opinions and advice” on winning Ontario but did not request an endorsement. However, Ford remained firm in his stance, repeatedly stating, “I’m staying out of it,” echoing his recent public remarks.

The conversation highlighted the growing distance between the federal and provincial Tories. Despite Ford’s position as one of Canada’s most influential Conservative leaders, he has faced criticism from some federal Tories who consider his government “not conservative enough.”

The phone call came at a time when support for Poilievre’s Conservatives is slipping, while Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals are gaining ground. Ford, ever mindful of public opinion, is strategically distancing himself from federal Tory campaigns.

In a move that stung the federal Tories, the day after his conversation with Poilievre, Ford was seen having coffee with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland at his home. Freeland later attended the swearing-in ceremony of Ford’s provincial cabinet at the Royal Ontario Museum, where she was a special guest.

Ford also recently hosted Prime Minister Carney for breakfast in Etobicoke, where they discussed strategies to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. The meeting underscored Ford’s willingness to collaborate with the federal government regardless of political affiliation.

“It’s no secret I have a great relationship with Chrystia Freeland. I have a great relationship with (Intergovernmental Affairs Minister) Dominic LeBlanc,” Ford remarked, signaling his pragmatic approach to working across party lines.

Ford’s fraught relationship with federal Conservatives predates Poilievre’s leadership. During the 2019 federal election, then-Tory leader Andrew Scheer deliberately distanced himself from Ford, whose approval ratings were plummeting. Scheer even campaigned near Ford’s Etobicoke home without acknowledging the premier.

More recently, Ford clashed with Poilievre ally MP Jamil Jivani, who criticized Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce, calling the ministry “liberal elites.” Ford dismissed Jivani’s remarks, noting the MP owed his political rise to his previous role in the premier’s office.

Despite shared staff connections—several of Poilievre’s key aides previously worked for Ford—the two leaders remain at odds. Federal and provincial Tory teams are actively discouraged from collaborating during election campaigns, highlighting the growing rift within Canada’s Conservative ranks.

While Poilievre continues his push for federal Conservative dominance, Ford appears determined to remain focused on his provincial mandate. By staying neutral, the Ontario premier is signaling that he values cooperation with the federal government over partisan allegiance—a strategic stance as Canada heads into a crucial election season.