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Doug Ford is once again making the case for more immigration, arguing that Ontario needs workers and that sending temporary foreign workers home after they have established lives in Canada would be “the craziest thing I have ever heard.”

Ford says companies need people to fill jobs and that population decline would be dangerous for the economy.

But what about the Canadians who are supposed to fill those jobs?

Young Canadians have traditionally taken entry-level positions in industries such as fast food, retail and trucking. Meanwhile, concerns continue over temporary foreign workers, international students and the use of foreign labour in major projects.

The same disconnect appears in Ford’s approach to the United States.

Ford talks about a “Fortress North America” and calls America Canada’s closest friend and ally, while also defending the trade relationship with Washington. Yet his rhetoric toward President Donald Trump has been considerably sharper at other times.

If the goal is stronger relations with Canada’s biggest trading partner, constantly turning Trump into the villain is hardly a convincing strategy.

Ontario needs an immigration system that puts Canadians first, a labour market that works for young people and a government willing to enforce its own rules.

Ford’s latest comments raise the question: where exactly is the “conservative” part?