PC Leader Doug Ford has been endorsed for re-election by the Toronto Police Association (TPA), a labour organization representing more than 8,000 members of the Toronto Police Service.
The announcement, made Tuesday via social media, takes place amid the Ontario election cycle, with voting day schedule for Feb. 27.
President of the TPA, Clayton Campbell, made the endorsement on X, stating that the TPA advocates for resources and support for its members, as well as the communities they serve.
"It is clear from the positions put forward in this election, that only one party shares these priorities," Campbell said. "For the safety of our members and the well-being of our communities, we are proud to support the Ontario PC Party, led by Premier Doug Ford."
An important message from the Toronto Police Association about the Provincial Election.@TPACampbell@TPACallanan@TpaGrande@TPAGregoris@corrigan4u@MikeHarrisTPA@TPARonTait@andrewnanton_@stocky778@OntarioPCParty @fordnation pic.twitter.com/6ZiIuXvfqH
— Toronto Police Association (@TPAca) February 18, 2025
Ford has long been a staunch ally of police. He endorsed former Toronto police chief Mark Saunders in the 2023 mayoral by-election.
Saunders went on to lose the election to Mayor Olivia Chow, who received 269,372 votes to Saunders' 62,167.
Following a high-profile skirmish with Toronto police over last year's budget, Chow approved $46.2-million budget increase for the force in this year's spending package.
Campbell said more policing staff and resources are needed for safe, healthy neighbourhoods, as well as extra support for grassroots initiatives.
"It means strong deterrents that keep repeat violent offenders in custody and out of our communities," he added.
According to the Toronto Police Service Board, members and executives of the TPA are, "like every municipal police officer, prohibited from endorsing or opposing candidates in an election."
The Police Association of Ontario and the Ontario Provincial Police Association have also publicly backed Ford.
The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) and the Ontario Provincial Police Association (@OPPAssociation) are proud to stand behind Premier Doug Ford as he continues to prioritize public safety and the well-being of our members.
— Police Association of Ontario (PAO) (@PoliceAssocON) February 18, 2025
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