Hazel McCallion throws support behind Doug Ford for Ontario premier
Hazel McCallion, one of the longest serving mayors in Canadian history, has officially thrown her support behind Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford for premier ahead of the Ontario election.
In an endorsement video obtained by CTV News Toronto, the 101 year old calls the PC leader "a people's premier."
"Over the years, I feel I've seen enough politicians and elections come and go," McCallion says while sitting in front of a PC-blue background.
"Real leaders don't show up with problems, they show up with solutions. They don't find excuses to delay and say no. Real leaders say yes."
The statement echoes the PC leader's primary campaign strategy, in which Ford is portrayed as a "yes" man who will "get it done."
The video ends with that very same phrase and Ford's signature election jingle.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
McCallion has been a long-time supporter of Ford's, so the endorsement doesn't come as a surprise.
A few months ago, the then-sitting PC government named the new Hurontario LRT after the former Mississauga mayor. She was also appointed special advisor to the premier back in 2019, although she turned down the role because her schedule couldn't accommodate it.
Last year Ford even stopped by McCallion's home during the pandemic to celebrate her centenary birthday.
With files from CTV News Toronto's Siobhan Morris
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.