Doug Ford stands by Wilmot land assembly process, says Waterloo Region has missed out on big opportunities over lack of available land

Ontario’s PC leader addressed U.S. tariffs, the Wilmot land assembly and more during his visit to Waterloo and Guelph. CTV’s Krista Simpson reports.

Ontario’s Progressive Conservative leader brought his election campaign to Waterloo and Guelph on Thursday.

Doug Ford was mostly focused on promoting his “Protect Ontario” message to workers living under the threat of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, but he also continued to defend the controversial land assembly project in Wilmot Township.

Ford’s first stop was PowerCor Manufacturing, or Linamar, in Guelph.

After a brief tour of the facility, he promised workers to support them amid the trade war.

“I will spare no expense to make sure I protect each and every one of you and your family,” Ford told them.

The PC leader then headed to Waterloo where he got the endorsement of Ontario Pipe Trades Council, the union which represents 30,000 tradespeople, including plumbers, sprinkler fitters and welders.

Ford reiterated his “Protect Ontario” message.

“Our communities depend on Ontario’s pipe trade professionals every single day,” he said. “Their endorsement of our plan to protect Ontario is so important, and we will always have their backs.”

Addressing the Wilmot land assembly plan

Ford continued to defend the controversial Wilmot land assembly project, in which the Region of Waterloo is trying to acquire 770 acres of farmland for future industrial projects.

• READ MORE: Timeline of Waterloo Region’s plan to purchase Wilmot Township properties

While the plan was initiated by the region, it has the support of his government.

“That goes for everyone in the province,” Ford said. “If they want to assemble land to create more jobs or opportunities, we always say, ‘OK, we’ll support it.’”

He added that he wished the region had handled the situation differently but was adamant that having property ready for industry is important.

“This is an opportunity,” Ford stated. “And honestly? Waterloo Region has missed out on endless opportunities for companies to come here and create good opportunities, good jobs for people, because they didn’t have the land assembled – and a couple massive projects. It’s a shame. We should have been doing this 20 years ago.”

CTV News asked Ford’s campaign team for an opportunity to speak with him one-on-one to discuss other issues that matter to voters, but were told it would not be possible on Thursday.