Speaking to 1,000 Tory delegates, Ford vowed to “protect Ontario” from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:28 p.m.
By Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief
In a speech the governing Progressive Conservatives initially tried to keep from the general public, Premier Doug Ford says he is gearing up for a fourth term.
Speaking to 1,000 Tory delegates Saturday night, Ford boasted of his government’s achievements since taking over from an almost 15-year Liberal dynasty at Queen’s Park in 2018 and vowed to “protect Ontario” from U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I’m thrilled to be here today for our party’s first convention since our historic, third majority election win last February,” he said at the Toronto Congress Centre on Dixon Road.
“You’re helping us build a stronger, more united PC Party, a party that will continue to work for the people and a party that I look forward to leading to win a historic, fourth majority mandate with your help when the next election comes,” the premier said of a vote not expected until 2029 or 2030.
That line, which earned him a standing ovation from supporters, was a clear signal to any would-be Tory leadership hopefuls — including several ambitious cabinet ministers in the audience — that Ford, 61, isn’t planning on leaving any time soon.
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