Canadian Politics Archives - Page 23 of 32

Rob Ford set to run for Toronto mayor

Yesterday I heard this Toronto municipal news tidbit from a source close to Rob Ford’s camp who says that the conservative city councilor is “definitely in” for a shot at taking over the mayor’s office, a post to be vacated by David Miller in the next year. Today, I called Ford himself and confirmed that he had a couple of items to address with his business before he gets going on the campaign and that he plans to announce in March.

Those close to Ford say that he is building an organization and gathering the money needed to make a top tier shot at Toronto’s top job.

Ford won the #2 Etobicoke North ward with 66% of the vote during the last municipal election. Ford supporters that are concerned that the popular candidate is vacating a conservative seat on council may be relieved to hear that Ford’s brother plans on running in his place.

UPDATE: Ford is now denying the story. I should say that I spoke to him on his cell phone (last four digits: 2146) because I wanted to confirm it with the man himself. I had heard the rumour yesterday and sought to exercise due diligence by confirming it with Ford before running with the story. I told Ford exactly who I was and that I generally cover federal politics but was chasing down a municipal rumour. He told me in no uncertain terms that he’s looking to wrap up a few outstanding issues with his business (with clients in New Jersey, no less) and is looking to make the announcement in March. Excited by the scoop I thanked him and even told him that he’d probably be getting a few calls after I posted the story.

Frank Klees interview

Frank Klees is running for the leadership of the PC Party of Ontario and took some time to chat with me today about what his bid means and where Ontario needs to go given the tough economic times and new taxation structure being implemented by Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty. Frank also discusses specific policy measures that he would or would not implement.

The morning after for John Tory

Now that the sun has come up on a new day at Queen’s Park, many are taking stock of last night’s PC loss Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock by-election. There are a few truths that need to be said as well.

I sincerely believe that the PC Party will now be better equipped to fight an election against Dalton McGuinty than it would have been under Tory. A leadership process will bring out policy debate, will highlight personalities and will give Ontario a fresh face for the next election.

As for John Tory, obligatory nice guy references aside, the guy was not a conservative’s Conservative. In fact, at the recent PC policy convention I quickly identified Tory’s base of support within the room as it voted on policy. I came to realize that an easy crib sheet for voting became to vote in the opposite way of these folks. When John Tory announces that he’ll step aside later today, the party will begin the process of voting for a leader that will excite conservatives. Though it was a by-election, 10,000 PC voters stayed home last night and you know you have a problem when its the electorate that informs the party that it is not conservative enough. In politics (and more often Liberal politics) lack of ideological purity can be forgiven if your leader has a sharp political instinct. John Tory was weak on both.

In politics, as in life, one should focus upon areas where one excels. John Tory excels at a number things, but I don’t believe this pursuit is one where his efforts and skill will be most appreciated.