• Subscribe
QP Briefing
News

Ford-Poilievre rift on full display as federal race upended by strategic leaks

“If Poilievre loses his seat? He’s done. He’s gone,” said one Conservative source. “And so is Jenni. And if the Liberals win a majority, the knives will be out for Jenni as well. There’ll have to be a graceful exit.”

Published Apr 25, 2025 at 6:49pm

Barbara Patrocinio
By
Barbara Patrocinio
Ford-Poilievre rift on full display as federal race upended by strategic leaks

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

The long-running drama playing out behind the scenes between Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s team and the federal Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre has erupted in full view of the public in the dying stages of the 2025 election.

The relationship between the two camps has long been fraught, but things have hit a fever pitch as Ontario PC sources recently alerted the media to efforts by the federal party to keep Poilievre's Ottawa-area riding blue. It has meant the Conservatives have had to contend with several stories critical of the party's strategy and campaign team as Poilievre makes his final pitch to voters ahead of the April 28 election day.

It has some wondering whether Ford has his eyes on the federal arena.

Read this for free.

Log in below to get access to this article. One free per week.

About QP Briefing

Queen's Park Briefing is a membership-based information source, covering all political and legislative movements at the provincial level. QP Briefing memberships are held by stakeholders, professionals, business leaders, and Ontario parliamentarians.

Our team provides deep analytic content for a wide array of high level decision makers standing at the intersection of private and public sector affairs. QP Briefing's in-depth coverage keeps our members at the forefront of complex policy issues, political advancements and private sector affairs.

QP Briefing is an invaluable information tool and is a passionate resource for members of the Ontario Public Service, Public Affairs Firms and Strategists, Government Agencies, MP's and all those claiming a stake in provincial politics.

Contact us

Subscriptions and Account Management
sales@ipolitics.ca
Partnerships and Events
Laura Pennell
Publisher
Editorial Inquiries
QP Briefing © 2025. An iPolitics publication.