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
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.