Ontario Premier Doug Ford gave out his phone number to everyone at an event Thursday in Washington, D.C.

In giving out his number to a room full of strangers at the Canadian American Business Council event, Ford was trying to demonstrate that he is serious about staying in touch with the public, even people who weren't his constituents. He encouraged the audience to give him a call about anything at all.

"Texting is the best way to get in touch with me," Ford said.

The audience was mostly people from U.S. trade associations, but the moment was also broadcast live in Canada.

The number is 416-805-2156.

"That is really his number," attested U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft, a friend of Ford's who was on stage with him.

Ford, the brother of the late former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, said it was important to him as an elected official to not "be in bubble," to hear from lots of people, and to be aware of their concerns. He promised that, if possible, he'd respond to every call and would even visit with people if they asked. "I can feel the phone vibrating now," he said after giving the number out.