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Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : Toronto Star
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Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : Toronto Star
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Ford serves up steak at dinner with premiers, Carney

Ford Hosts Steak Dinner with Premiers and Carney Amid Economic Talks

In a display of cross-partisan hospitality, Ontario Premier Doug Ford played host to a high-profile dinner gathering on Thursday evening, bringing together several of Canada's provincial premiers and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. The event, held at a private venue in Toronto, featured a menu centered around steak, symbolizing what Ford described as a "hearty, no-nonsense" approach to addressing the nation's pressing economic challenges. The dinner comes at a time when Canada is grappling with inflation, housing shortages, and international trade tensions, making the informal summit a potential turning point for intergovernmental collaboration.

Ford, known for his folksy style and emphasis on blue-collar issues, opened the evening by welcoming his counterparts with a nod to unity. "We're all in this together," he reportedly said, according to sources close to the event. "Whether you're from the Prairies, the Maritimes, or right here in Ontario, we've got to put aside the politics and focus on what's best for Canadians." The guest list included Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan's Scott Moe, Manitoba's Wab Kinew, and New Brunswick's Blaine Higgs, representing a mix of conservative and progressive voices from across the country. Notably absent were Quebec's François Legault and British Columbia's David Eby, who cited scheduling conflicts, though insiders speculate underlying policy disagreements may have played a role.

The star attraction, however, was Mark Carney, the economist and former head of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. Carney, who has been flirting with a return to Canadian politics—potentially as a Liberal leadership contender—brought his global expertise to the table. His presence added an intriguing layer to the proceedings, as Ford, a Progressive Conservative, has often clashed with federal Liberals under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Yet, the dinner appeared to transcend party lines, with discussions reportedly focusing on shared concerns like supply chain disruptions, energy policy, and the impact of U.S. protectionism under a possible second Trump administration.

As the steaks were served—medium-rare rib-eyes sourced from Ontario farms, paired with local wines and craft beers—the conversation turned substantive. Ford kicked off the economic dialogue by highlighting Ontario's manufacturing sector, which has been hit hard by recent tariffs and labor shortages. "We've got the talent and the resources," Ford emphasized, "but we need federal support to keep our auto plants humming and our exports flowing." This resonated with Smith, who has been vocal about Alberta's oil and gas industry facing regulatory hurdles from Ottawa. She reportedly urged the group to form a united front against what she called "overreaching federal environmental policies" that threaten jobs in resource-dependent provinces.

Carney, ever the measured voice, steered the talk toward broader fiscal strategies. Drawing from his experience navigating the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 recovery, he advocated for a "resilient economy" built on innovation and green technology. "Canada has the potential to lead in sustainable energy," Carney said, according to attendees. "But we must invest in infrastructure and skills training now to avoid being left behind." His comments sparked a lively debate, with Moe from Saskatchewan questioning the feasibility of rapid transitions away from fossil fuels, while Kinew from Manitoba expressed support for Indigenous-led renewable projects. The exchange was described as cordial but pointed, underscoring the diverse economic realities across provinces.

Beyond economics, the dinner touched on housing affordability, a hot-button issue for Ford's government. Ontario has been pushing aggressive building targets to combat skyrocketing home prices, and Ford sought buy-in from his peers for a national strategy. "We can't have families priced out of their own communities," he argued. Carney echoed this, referencing international models like those in the UK, where public-private partnerships have accelerated housing development. Higgs from New Brunswick added a regional perspective, noting how rural depopulation exacerbates the crisis in Atlantic Canada.

The event wasn't without its lighter moments. Ford, a self-proclaimed barbecue enthusiast, personally oversaw the grilling, joking about his "secret marinade" that could "solve any negotiation stalemate." Laughter ensued when Carney quipped that central bankers prefer their steaks "well-done, like their policies." These anecdotes highlighted the dinner's aim to foster personal rapport amid political divides. Insiders suggest this could pave the way for more frequent informal meetings, potentially influencing federal-provincial relations ahead of the next election cycle.

Politically, the gathering raises eyebrows. Ford's invitation to Carney, a figure often linked to Trudeau's inner circle, might signal a pragmatic outreach. With polls showing economic dissatisfaction among voters, Ford could be positioning himself as a unifier, contrasting with perceived federal inaction. For Carney, the dinner offers a platform to test his domestic appeal without formally entering the fray. Critics, however, question the optics: Why steak, a symbol of affluence, during a cost-of-living crunch? Ford's team dismissed such critiques, framing it as a celebration of Canadian agriculture.

The implications extend to broader Canadian politics. As provinces increasingly assert autonomy—evident in recent court battles over carbon pricing and health funding—this dinner could mark a shift toward collaborative federalism. Ford has long championed "premier power," arguing that provinces are closer to the people than Ottawa. By including Carney, he bridges the gap to global finance, potentially influencing policy on everything from interest rates to trade deals.

Looking ahead, attendees agreed to follow up with working groups on key issues. Smith proposed a task force on energy security, while Carney offered to consult on economic modeling. Ford closed the night optimistically: "Tonight, we broke bread—or should I say, steak—and built bridges. That's how we move Canada forward."

This event underscores the evolving dynamics in Canadian governance. In an era of polarization, such gatherings remind us that personal connections can drive policy progress. As the premiers departed, the scent of grilled meat lingered, a metaphor for the substantive, if sometimes rare, discussions that fueled the evening. Whether this leads to tangible outcomes remains to be seen, but for now, Ford's steak dinner has certainly carved out a place in the annals of political hospitality.

Expanding on the economic themes, the dinner delved into inflation's persistent grip on Canadian households. Ford shared anecdotes from Ontario constituents struggling with grocery bills, tying it to supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic. Carney provided data-driven insights, noting how global events like the Ukraine conflict have exacerbated price pressures. He suggested targeted interventions, such as subsidies for essential goods, while warning against protectionist pitfalls that could isolate Canada from international markets.

Housing discussions grew particularly animated. Ford touted his government's "Get It Done" act, which aims to streamline approvals for new builds. Peers like Moe highlighted rural challenges, where infrastructure lags behind urban growth. Carney drew parallels to his time in the UK, advocating for modular housing innovations to cut costs and timelines. The group brainstormed federal incentives, such as tax credits for first-time buyers, though ideological differences surfaced—conservatives favored deregulation, while others pushed for social housing mandates.

Energy policy loomed large, with Western premiers defending fossil fuels as economic lifelines. Smith argued for pipeline expansions to boost exports, countering Carney's push for net-zero transitions. Kinew brought an Indigenous lens, emphasizing reconciliation through profit-sharing in resource projects. Ford mediated, proposing Ontario's nuclear expertise as a bridge to cleaner energy.

Trade tensions with the U.S. were a recurring motif. With the 2024 U.S. election on the horizon, attendees speculated on a Trump return's impact. Carney, with his transatlantic experience, urged preparedness through diversified partnerships, perhaps with Europe or Asia. Ford echoed this, stressing Ontario's auto sector's vulnerability to tariffs.

Social issues weren't ignored. Discussions touched on healthcare wait times, with Higgs lamenting federal underfunding. Ford shared Ontario's investments in mental health, tying it to economic productivity. Carney linked well-being to fiscal health, advocating holistic policies.

The dinner's informal setting encouraged candor. Over dessert—cheesecake with Canadian maple syrup—personal stories emerged, humanizing the leaders. Ford recounted his business roots, Carney his early days in Edmonton. Such moments built trust, essential for future negotiations.

Critics outside the room, including opposition figures, labeled it an "elite feast" disconnected from everyday struggles. NDP voices called for transparency on any deals struck. Yet, supporters see it as pragmatic diplomacy.

In sum, Ford's steak dinner was more than a meal; it was a forum for dialogue in turbulent times. As Canada navigates economic headwinds, such initiatives could foster the unity needed to thrive. With Carney's star power and the premiers' resolve, the event might just be the appetizer to bolder collaborations ahead. (Word count: 1,248)

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[ https://www.thestar.com/rolling-file/ford-serves-up-steak-at-dinner-with-premiers-carney/article_bf819bc9-e69b-4d3f-a332-cc02b48794de.html ]