Doug Ford is doing this 180 out of sheer political necessity. There is an Ontario provincial election later this month, and he is desperate to reverse the perception that Canada's conservatives (especially at the federal level) are too enamoured of maga-style slash-and-burn politics after using it successfully to protest Covid lockdowns 3 years ago.
There was no need for a Starlink deal to begin with, especially as his government has slashed millions in education and healthcare funding in Ontario, and has a multi-billion dollar transit line in Toronto that's several years behind schedule. There is a federal election scheduled for later in the year as well, and cosying up to present American lunacy isn't going to be a winning formula.
This. I'm amazed the man is doing anything pro-Ontario/Canada at this point. Any other time he's been self-serving for himself or his financial interests.
See also: Ontario Place, the continual handshake deals with Galen Weston (might as well call it Shoppers Doug Mart), etc.
Perhaps Ontarians are finding themselves looking at Premier Ford's new patriotitic platform in the way that some U.S. religious leaders wince and cringe at their president's peccadillos yet pat him on the back for delivering on issues they tout. Politics 101, as transparent as it is.
There was no need for a Starlink deal to begin with, especially as his government has slashed millions in education and healthcare funding in Ontario, and has a multi-billion dollar transit line in Toronto that's several years behind schedule. There is a federal election scheduled for later in the year as well, and cosying up to present American lunacy isn't going to be a winning formula.