Ontario Premier Doug Ford descended the grand staircase at Queen's Park on Wednesday afternoon, a broad smile on his face. He took his place at the bottom, facing east, waiting expectantly down the long, green-carpeted hallway. With organ music and a boutonniere, he might have looked like a groom at a wedding.
Down the hall came Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, striding purposefully. As he approached, Shapiro extended a hand and said, 'There he is!' like greeting an old friend. They exchanged pleasantries for the cameras: 'How are you?' 'It's great to see you.' 'I'm looking forward to spending some time with you.' Then they ascended the grand staircase to Ford's office, with Ford joking about Shapiro being in better shape, and Shapiro laughing dutifully. Their protective officers trailed behind, shaking hands.
The choreographed scene was a prelude to a formal union: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ontario and Pennsylvania. The deal, a detailed promise to collaborate across industries to boost trade and investment, was more symbolic than substantive. Yet, at this moment, symbols matter.
Shapiro, a Democrat, is a frequent critic of U.S. President Donald Trump. Ford, a Conservative, was once a Trump supporter. They are unlikely allies, but the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Ford's meeting with Shapiro came after a brief Washington trip where he met congressional leaders, advocating for Canada-U.S. trade and criticizing Trump's tariffs. However, such trips rarely yield quick results, especially after a planned Chamber of Commerce reception for Ford was cancelled amid White House complaints.
Thus, Shapiro stood with Ford, offering mutual commitment. After remarks and a signing ceremony, the leaders took questions, making clear that the Tory and Democrat are singing from the same sheet.
