Ford Supports Toronto Bid for Defence Bank, Disputes Quebec's Claims

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Toronto should host the new defence bank, but won't attack other bids.

Ford commented after Quebec politicians accused Toronto of a 'fear campaign'.

Quebec officials said Toronto is using the threat of a Quebec referendum to undermine Montreal's bid.

Canada will host the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, with Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver competing.

Ford told reporters, 'We love Montreal and Quebecers. This is a national process.'

Ford said the prime minister will decide, but he won't attack other bids. He thinks Montreal and Quebecers are fine.

The contest to host the bank is intensifying. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette said Montreal is ready.

A report suggests Toronto promoters are using the possibility of a referendum to portray Montreal as unstable.

Parti Québécois MNA Pascal Paradis said, 'It's a fear campaign.'

The PQ is leading in polls and has pledged to hold a referendum if elected.

Paradis said a referendum won't hurt the economy.

He said, 'We must put aside this fear campaign.'

Québec solidaire agreed with the position.

Spokesperson Sol Zanetti said, 'I'm afraid of the instability caused by Quebec being in Canada.'

Fréchette didn't comment on whether sovereignty concerns could weaken Montreal's bid.

She said, 'I'm not getting into that.'

Ford said Toronto is the only city that can provide everything the bank needs.

He said the bank needs a host city with a large financial hub and international connections.

Toronto and Ontario offer many benefits and are willing to support the DSRB.

The Ontario government will help the bank establish a headquarters and attract investment.

The government will also issue a bond to fund defence projects.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow supported Ford's pitch.

She said the institution will bring jobs and elevate Canada's profile.

Chow said, 'Toronto is where Canada's financial leadership lives.'

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