Canadians like politicians they can see themselves having a beer with

There’s a reason Canada’s premiers schlepped their briefing binders to Deerhurst Resort instead of meeting in Toronto at Queen’s Park’s grey towers. Hosting this summer’s Council of the Federation — the annual gathering of Canada’s premiers — Ontario Premier Doug Ford wanted his colleagues, and surprise guest Prime Minister Mark Carney, to see him in his natural element: Muskoka hoodie, dockside banter, and all.

Over three hot days in July, formal discussions on trade, energy corridors, and health transfers seamlessly blended into midnight conversations , capped off by an impromptu Muskoka cottage sleepover with the prime minister. Protocol quickly went out the window — the prime minister doesn’t usually attend these gatherings, let alone stay overnight at Doug Ford’s private cottage.