While bail itself falls primarily under federal criminal law, provinces administer much of the justice system, including bail hearings, prosecutions and the enforcement of court orders. Premier Doug Ford’s government has repeatedly called on Ottawa to further tighten federal bail laws, especially for people accused of violent crimes and repeat offenders.

The premier was also pressed on what exactly would constitute a "fair deal," especially if Washington maintains some tariffs on Canadian vehicles. Asked whether he could accept an agreement that leaves U.S. tariffs of roughly 10 to 15 per cent on Ontario-made vehicles while Canada drops its retaliatory tariffs on American autos, Ford indicated he would not support a one-sided arrangement.

The most intense disagreement came over a question that has particular resonance for a party that has spent the past eight years trying to recover from its collapse in 2018: does its next leader need to be sitting in the legislature?