'Read between the lines': Ford nearly endorses Olivia Chow for Toronto mayor

'The mayor and I have a phenomenal relationship,' said Premier Doug Ford Wednesday. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)Social SharingOntario Premier Doug Ford did everything but officially endorse Olivia Chow's mayoral race at a news conference Wednesday.

"The mayor and I have a phenomenal relationship, phenomenal," said Ford. "We're going to continue supporting the mayor, so read between the lines." 

The premier made the comment when asked by a reporter where he "was at" in terms of the upcoming municipal election.

Ford was joined by the mayor and provincial ministers for an announcement regarding Ontario and Canada’s investment in global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi to expand vaccine manufacturing.

Doug Ford vs. Olivia Chow: How will Ontario's premier and Toronto's new mayor get on?

The comments are a far cry from Ford's prediction during the 2023 mayoral race that electing Chow would be an "unmitigated disaster."

The premier and Chow have not always seen eye-to-eye, coming to loggerheads in the past over issues like the province's takeover of Billy Bishop Airport and its plans to rip out Toronto bike lanes. 

The two have worked closely on many issues since then, and Ford has often said the pair get along well.

Chow is running against Brad Bradford and Chris Alexander, among a packed slate of about 50 other candidates.