Progressive Conservative (PC) Leader Doug Ford began his northern Ontario tour on Saturday with a stop in Thunder Bay, where he held a press conference. The tour continued with visits to Iroquois Falls and Timmins later in the day.
While in Iroquois Falls Ford announced his party’s intention to widen Highway 11 between North Bay and Cochrane and in Timmins he met with workers at The Bucket Shop.
Ford is scheduled to resume his travels through the region on Sunday, starting with a visit to Sault Ste. Marie. There, he met with workers at Algoma Steel.
While at the steel plant he held a brief media conference, where he announced his party’s plan for a Critical Mineral Supply Chain.
The plan comes with a price tag of $500-million and the Tory leader claims it would protect workers from American tariffs.
The PC leader also fielded questions regarding financial safety nets for workers and businesses impacted by tariffs and the healthcare crisis in northern Ontario.
Later on Sunday, he is set to travel to Greater Sudbury, where he will visit Carpenters Local 2486 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1687.
The PC leader’s Sudbury appearances are planned as photo opportunities only, with no media availability for journalists to ask questions.
This tour was originally scheduled to begin on Feb. 18 but was postponed due to a crash at Pearson Airport.
Ford’s visit marks the second time a provincial party leader has traveled to Sudbury during this election cycle. On Feb. 13, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles was in the city to launch her party’s northern platform at Science North. During her appearance, Stiles took questions from journalists.
