Ford distances himself from ICE vehicle order with Ontario company

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he did not direct or know about a reported U.S. order for armoured 'Senator' vehicles from Brampton-based Roshel, after earlier praising the deal; the order and Ford's remarks have drawn political attention.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has distanced himself from reports that an Ontario company sold armoured vehicles to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The vehicles, called Senators, are made by Roshel, a company headquartered in Brampton, and reports said the U.S. planned to order about 20. Ford had earlier praised the agreement but later said he did not direct companies to sell such vehicles and that the province did not buy them. The matter has become part of broader public scrutiny of U.S. immigration enforcement. What is reported: - Ford said he did not direct companies to sell military vehicles and said the provincial government did not purchase them. - He had previously praised the agreement and suggested federal procurement of Ontario-made vehicles. - Reports state the U.S. planned to sole-source roughly 20 Senator armoured vehicles from Roshel because of a quick fulfillment timeline. - Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles publicly criticized the contract and said it should not be fulfilled. Summary: The episode has generated political scrutiny of public statements and of the company's reported sale. It is reported that the provincial government is not involved in the contract itself. Undetermined at this time.