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Premier Doug Ford capped off the first day of Ontario’s election campaign in London, where he pledged his government would spend $1 billion to build a new police college.
Ford made the vow Wednesday evening when he spoke to a crowd of London police officers and other guests at the London Police Service Chief’s Gala at RBC Place London.
“We’re going to spend $1 billion on building a brand new police college,” he said.
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Ford didn’t provide any more details, including whether the new police college would be built at the site of the existing one in Aylmer, southeast of London.
A spokesperson for Ford said more details about the new police college will be shared soon.
Ford is scheduled to make an announcement “to protect Ontario” at a news conference in London at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Hundreds of police officers and guests attended the inaugural sold-out gala hosted by Chief Thai Truong that featured awards, speakers and displays. Proceeds are going to Youth Opportunities Unlimited and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
“I support you 1,000 per cent, I will always, always have your backs, and I’ll never, ever let you down,” Ford told officers. “Chief (Thai) Truong, our government will always stand shoulder to shoulder with you, along with the London Police Service.”
During his remarks Ford highlighted how his government has supported police by expanding the constable training program at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer and taking steps to improve bail compliance and combat auto theft.
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Ford also praised the officers who investigated the deaths of four members of the Afzaal family. They were killed in 2021 when a London-area man deliberately drove his pickup truck into the Muslim family at a northwest London intersection in what the sentencing judge called a terrorist act.
“I know that was an incredibly challenging investigation and very challenging time, but it serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and dedication,” Ford said. “It reminds us of the incredible work being done on the front lines, not just for solving cases, but bringing the community together.”
Ford’s remarks come after he kicked off his snap election campaign in Windsor, where he spoke about the need to fight against U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods. He has repeatedly said his majority government needs a new mandate to spend billions to support Ontario’s economy.
Ford plans to visit workers at Labatt Brewery after his announcement in London on Thursday. He will then head to Vaughan.
The London-region is a stronghold for Ford’s government. Seven of the region’s 10 seats were held by the PCs in the last legislature.
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