Ford salutes Poilievre's leadership result but says you don't win elections at conventions

Ontario Premier Doug Ford acknowledged Pierre Poilievre's strong leadership vote in Calgary, where Poilievre secured about 87 per cent of delegates, and said winning at conventions is not the same as winning a national election. Ford also confirmed he spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney about the possibility of an early federal election but declined to provide details.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford acknowledged Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's recent leadership vote while warning that convention results do not determine national outcomes. The article reports Poilievre won roughly 87 per cent of delegates at the Calgary convention, surpassing a past leadership review result for Stephen Harper. Ford noted he has not given Poilievre political advice and described an uneven personal relationship between them. He also confirmed a private discussion with Prime Minister Mark Carney about the possibility of an early federal election but did not share details. Key facts: - Pierre Poilievre secured about 87 per cent of delegates at his party's Calgary convention, according to the article. - Doug Ford said, in effect, that "you don't win elections at conventions" and that elections are won across the country. - The two leaders have had a strained relationship; Ford declined to publicly support federal Conservative candidates in the previous federal campaign. - Ford said he spoke privately with Prime Minister Mark Carney about a possible early federal election but would not disclose what was said and said the timing is up to the prime minister and his caucus. - The article notes federal Liberals remain three seats short of a majority and that federal parties have been discussing potential arrangements to reduce parliamentary gridlock; Carney and Poilievre recently met one-on-one. Summary: Ford's comments drew a distinction between strong internal party endorsement and national electoral appeal, noting convention support does not guarantee wider victory. He acknowledged discussing a possible early election with Prime Minister Mark Carney but gave no details, and the decision on calling an election rests with the prime minister and his caucus. Undetermined at this time.