The city’s list of priorities, Nuttall said, was developed to strike a balance: hard infrastructure to drive growth, strategic projects to build capacity, and community amenities that enhance quality of life.

“I have the greatest job in the world,” Ford said Wednesday, batting away questions about whether he might consider a jump to federal politics if the Tories falter in the upcoming April 28 vote.

A major component of the bill is the complete removal of Ontario’s 23 existing Party-Specific Exceptions under the CFTA, becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to do so.

His comments are different from what Paul Calandra told QP Briefing on Monday, when he described the legislation as a “backup” the province hoped it wouldn’t need.

The premier’s unusually sharp critique of the federal Conservative campaign has insiders wondering why Ford is behaving like that. Some are saying he might be laying the groundwork for something bigger.

Doug Shipley, the incumbent Conservative candidate in neighbouring Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, called Olthuis' comments "offensive, disgusting and insulting."

He explained that the government’s strategy was always to lead with funding, not legislation. Municipalities had to agree to use their powers to clear encampments in exchange for money. The bill, which would give the province direct authority to act if cities didn’t, was meant to be a backup.