Ford and Carney's Pizza Summit Signals Renewed Federal-Provincial Cooperation
In a notable display of political camaraderie, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney convened for an informal meeting at a Pizza Nova location in Etobicoke on Monday. This gathering, as reported by CTV News, appears to mark a thaw in what has been a turbulent relationship between the two leaders over the past year.
A Slice of Diplomacy in Etobicoke
The meeting, which lasted nearly an hour, saw the two politicians discussing significant national and provincial issues while sharing pizza slices. According to eyewitness accounts, they also took time to engage with children enjoying a snow day, adding a personal touch to the political encounter. Premier Ford emphasized the collaborative spirit, telling reporters, "We're all about Team Canada. Listen guys, we're a big family. And you know, sometimes brothers and sisters may disagree, but at the end of the day, make no mistake about it, we are one country, Team Canada. Both of us."
Prime Minister Carney echoed this sentiment, stating, "All about Team Canada, all aligned. I found it twice as productive as the premier." He noted that their discussions on big topics had worked up an appetite, leading to their pizza outing.
Key Discussion Points and Past Tensions
The agenda for their meeting included several pressing matters:
- Ontario's auto sector, a critical component of the provincial economy.
- Critical minerals and the development of the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario.
- Energy development projects and policies.
This friendly interaction comes after a period of significant discord. The pair had been at loggerheads over Carney's decision to allow 49,000 Chinese cars into Canada by eliminating a 100% tariff, a move made in exchange for China easing tariffs on Canadian products like canola. Ford argued that this could jeopardize renegotiations of the auto section of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and potentially cost auto sector jobs in Ontario. The premier had expressed frustration over not being consulted or given fair warning about the decision.
A History of Hot-and-Cold Relations
Ford and Carney's relationship has fluctuated over the past year. They were in good spirits during a late-night meeting with other premiers last July at Deerhurst Resort near Ford's Muskoka cottage, where leaders reportedly wore Ford Nation gear and gathered around a campfire. Reflecting on such informal settings, Ford remarked, "That's where you get the work done. You have heart-to-heart conversations one-on-one."
Despite the on-and-off dynamics, Ford has expressed more confidence in Carney compared to his predecessor, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This sentiment is reportedly shared by other provincial leaders, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Governance
The Etobicoke pizza summit underscores a potential shift towards more cooperative federal-provincial relations. As both leaders emphasized Team Canada unity, this meeting could pave the way for collaborative efforts on key issues such as bail reform and trade negotiations, including dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump. Ford highlighted their shared values, stating, "I have a lot of respect for Prime Minister Carney, a very bright individual, a very smart business person. We share the same values. We have to run the government like a business, and we're going to get things done."
This informal gathering not only provided a platform for substantive discussions but also served as a public gesture of reconciliation, suggesting that despite past disagreements, both leaders are committed to working together for the benefit of Ontario and Canada as a whole.
