As Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie launches her campaign in Barrie, the mayor of the fast-growing city says he's backing Premier Doug Ford and the governing Progressive Conservatives.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Alex Nuttall called Ford "an incredible partner for Barrie," and credited the city's MPPs — Environment Minister Andrea Khanjin and Attorney General Doug Downey — for their work supporting the city.
"[Ford] has delivered funding for rehabilitative services to combat addictions, housing dollars that have helped Barrie move forward with hundreds of affordable housing units, infrastructure that will bring hundreds of acres of land online for job creation, and consistent support for frontline policing in Barrie," he said.
"Now is not the time for change, it’s time to implement the bold agenda that has begun and protect the jobs of Ontarians.”
The election campaign formally kicked off on Wednesday.
Ford said he decided to call an election two years earlier than the fixed date because he needs a strong mandate to respond to potential U.S. tariffs.
Election day is Feb. 27.