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Behind Doug Ford’s unusually public criticism of Poilievre’s campaign

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.

Published Apr 15, 2025 at 8:25pm

Barbara Patrocinio
By
Barbara Patrocinio
Behind Doug Ford’s unusually public criticism of Poilievre’s campaign

Ontario Premier Doug Ford (right) watches as Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivers remarks before the start of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, on Saturday, August 5, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Doug Ford’s latest swipe at Pierre Poilievre’s campaign strategy has ignited fresh speculation that Ontario premier might be positioning himself as the next leader of the federal Conservatives.

That speculation has been bubbling beneath the surface for weeks. But it reached a new level after Ford publicly backed his former campaign manager, Kory Teneycke, who recently accused Poilievre’s team of “campaign malpractice” for squandering a massive polling lead heading into the election.

“He’s the best campaign manager in the country,” Ford told reporters at Queen’s Park this Monday. “And to be very frank, if Kory was running that campaign, I don’t think Mr. Poilievre would be in the position he’s in right now. Sometimes the truth hurts.”

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