TORONTO — A day after Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he supports Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow amid her bid for re-election, his office says it was not an endorsement. Ford and Chow were at a joint press conference Wednesday to mark the opening of a new Sanofi vaccine manufacturing facility in Toronto, and Ford was asked about making any endorsements in the mayoral race. He said he and Chow have a “phenomenal” relationship that has resulted in a lot of funding for the city, saying that “we’re going to continue supporting the mayor” as she’s doing an “incredible job.” He ended by urging people to “read between the lines” of his comments. Ford’s remarks were widely interpreted as at least a quasi-endorsement of Chow, including by her main rival Brad Bradford. On Thursday, however, his office issued a statement saying the premier did not endorse Chow and will not endorse any candidate in the Toronto mayoral race. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2026. Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
