Overview
- Doug Ford said the possibility of an early federal campaign surfaced during the Jan. 29 first ministers’ meeting, adding that any decision rests with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- He declined to divulge private conversations with Carney, following earlier Globe reporting from unnamed sources that he had advised a snap election as a path to a majority.
- Carney has repeatedly stated he is not considering a snap election, and spokesperson Audrey Champoux reiterated that the government is not going to the polls.
- Public polling shows Carney far ahead of Pierre Poilievre as preferred prime minister, with the Liberals leading the Conservatives by several percentage points.
- Conservative sources say the party is moving on early nominations and renting offices as at least two by-elections must be called, while an unverified report from Juno News claims Elections Canada is preparing extra tally sheets.