The article highlights significant tensions between Ontario Premier Doug Ford and the federal Conservative party, particularly its leader, Pierre Poilievre. These tensions were publicly displayed during and after the recent federal election.
Newly elected Conservative MP Jamil Jivani, a former advisor to Ford, sharply criticized the Premier, calling him unprincipled and an opportunist for allegedly sabotaging the federal Conservative campaign. Jivani claimed Ford was acting more like a “hype man” for the Liberals.
Ford responded by emphasizing his commitment to national unity, while maintaining his criticisms of the federal Conservatives' approach to handling U.S. President Trump’s tariffs and suggesting that their campaign strategy was flawed. He also called for accelerated approvals of resource projects in response to the U.S. government's aggressive actions.
Ford's campaign manager, Kory Teneycke, openly criticized Poilievre's campaign strategy, labelling it a disaster, pointing to strategic errors and the “basic unlikability” of Poilievre. Ford publicly defended Teneycke's remarks.
The article suggests deeper issues between the two conservative parties and questions Poilievre's relationship with provincial and municipal politicians. Ford specifically mentioned the role of Poilievre's campaign manager, Jenni Byrne, in this lack of unity. The article concludes with details on the background and political journey of MP Jivani.