While making a friendly World Series wager, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told California Gov. Gavin Newsom to “talk to your friend in the Oval Office” if he wants U.S. liquor back on the province’s store shelves.
Ford offered the Democratic governor Ontario’s maple syrup in a tin can, which he said is “the way it’s meant to be enjoyed,” if the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Newsom teased that the syrup will be staying north of the border and offered Ford a bottle of his state’s championship-worthy wine if the Dodgers win their second consecutive World Series title.
The governor, who described himself as a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, then said, “And hey, can you do me a favour? Think you can put it on the liquor store shelves?”
“I don’t think so, buddy. Talk to your friend in the Oval Office,” a smiling Ford replied. In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, Ford ordered all American liquor removed from LCBO shelves.
Video of the friendly wager was posted on Friday afternoon ahead of Game 1 of the World Series.
With the Blue Jays heading to the World Series against the LA Dodgers, @CAgovernor Newsom and I have a friendly wager going. Win or lose, we’re thrilled to celebrate great baseball, good neighbours and a friendship between Ontario and California! pic.twitter.com/88iH7pTifu
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 24, 2025
Ford has recently drawn the ire of Trump due to Ontario-paid anti-tariff ads, prompting the U.S. president to terminate trade negotiations with Canada.
Ford and Newsom are not the only politicians making friendly bets. Mayor Olivia Chow said she and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass agreed that the losing team’s mayor would bike the number of runs the winner scores.
The police chiefs of Toronto and LA also challenged each other. The loser will take a photo wearing the winning team’s jersey.