Digital Journal reported Friday that Ontario Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty would be ready to go to Lieutenant Governor David C. Onley Monday and tell him that he has lost the confidence of the legislature and seek a dissolving of the 107-member government. This would lead to a rare summer election in the middle of July.
One Toronto rookie councillor is eager to run in a provincial election with the goal to defeat the three-term Grit premier. That man is the mayor’s brother, Doug Ford.
In an interview with
CP24 Friday, Ford said he would quit his job as Ward 2 Etobicoke North Councillor and seek a seat in Queen’s Park if an election is called for next month. Ford said he would fight for the same issues he has done since being elected to city council two years ago, such as subways for the city.
“Look, nobody wants an election, but if Dalton McGuinty decides to call an election then he is going to be held accountable by the people of Toronto and I'll be there supporting a great leader named [Progressive Conservative Leader] Tim Hudak,” stated the rookie councillor. “He'd be a great premier and I know he'd change the fiscal foundation of this province.”
Following McGuinty’s press conference that he would ask the Lieutenant Governor to dissolve his government rather than wait for Wednesday’s vote on the Liberal budget, Ford urged him to go through with his threat.
“Bring it on,” said Ford and added, “Rob wouldn't be losing an ally down at city hall, he'd be gaining one at Queen's Park."
Speaking with the
National Post, Ford said he believes the premier is “posturing.” He added that his brother would be serving his constituents municipally, that he would be doing it provincially and he would “stay tuned on the federal side.”
The Fords’ father,
Doug Ford Sr., served as MPP for Etobicoke-Humber under Progressive Conservative Premier Mike Harris from 1995 to 1999.
