Ford signals backing for Mayor Olivia Chow without formal endorsement

During a press event announcing Ontario and Canada’s investment in Sanofi’s vaccine-manufacturing expansion, Premier Doug Ford was queried on his position regarding the forthcoming Toronto mayoral race. He praised his "phenomenal" rapport with Mayor Olivia Chow and affirmed that the province will keep supporting her, suggesting an implicit endorsement without formally declaring one. This marks a shift from his 2023 prediction that Chow’s victory would be an "unmitigated disaster" and follows past disputes over issues such as the Billy Bishop Airport takeover and bike-lane removals.

Chow is now running against Brad Bradford, Chris Alexander and roughly 50 other candidates. The remarks were made alongside the mayor and several provincial ministers at the Sanofi announcement.