Tag: Doug Ford

Doug Ford Reiterates That He Supports Federal Government’s Use of Emergencies Act to Clear Protesters

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he supports the measures taken by the federal government to end the so-called “Freedom Convoy” protests last winter. Ford says he worked with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several mayors after hundreds gathered in downtown Ottawa in January in what local officials called an occupation that lasted several weeks. People…


Ontario Must Consult Public, Groups Before Expanding ‘Strong Mayor’ Powers: AMO

A group representing Ontario municipalities says the province mustconduct broad consultations as it considers expanding so-called “strong mayor” powers to communities other than Toronto and Ottawa. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario told a legislative committee Monday the government should consult the public as well as professional and municipal political organizations on various issues related…


Ontario Will Not Return to COVID Lockdowns in the Future, Ford Says

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province is well-enough equipped with tools to battle COVID-19 that it will not have to resort to lockdowns in the future. Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell delivered Ford’s throne speech on Aug. 9, marking the beginning of a new legislative assembly. In the speech, Ford said that COVID-19 is still present in…


Ontario Will Not Return to COVID Lockdowns in the Future, Ford’s Throne Speech Says

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province is well-enough equipped with tools to battle COVID-19 that it will not have to resort to lockdowns in the future. Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell delivered Ford’s throne speech on Aug. 9, marking the beginning of a new legislative assembly. The speech said that although COVID-19 is still present in Ontario,…


Ford Government Will Outspend Previous Liberal Government, Study Shows

The Ontario government led by Premier Doug Ford will end up outspending its Liberal predecessor Kathleen Wynne, and increase provincial debt despite its pre-election promises to cut spending, balance the budget, and shrink government debt, a new study shows. “When in opposition, the PCs (Progressive Conservatives) frequently criticized the Liberal government’s spending, but now the…


Ontario to Grant Toronto, Ottawa Mayors Veto Powers Over Council as Part of ‘Strong-Mayor’ System

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has confirmed he’s planning to hand the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa “veto” power similar to that of the U.S. municipal system. Speaking to reporters at Queen’s Park in Toronto on July 20, Ford said he plans to bring in a “strong-mayor” system for Toronto and Ottawa so that mayors are…


Ford Defends Decision to Name Nephew Minister of Multiculturalism

Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended his decision Monday to name his nephew minister of citizenship and multiculturalism, saying the newly elected legislator has spent years representing one of the most diverse communities in the province. Ford was asked about the appointment in a joint news conference with Toronto Mayor John Tory—his first time taking questions…


After Landslide Election Win, What Will Ford Do With a Stronger Hand?

News Analysis The Doug Ford Progressive Conservatives have a fresh mandate with more seats, their main political opponents without leadership, and an economy-killing pandemic in the rear-view mirror. Even so, political experts are divided on whether Ford will use this new latitude to be more conservative in his approach, or follow a similar trajectory to…


Ontario’s 2022 Election Records Lowest Ever Voter Turnout

A large majority of Ontarians did not head to the polls Thursday to cast their votes, leading to the lowest turnout the province has ever seen. Unofficial results from Elections Ontario show about 43 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots on election day, down from 57 percent in 2018. This means of the over…


Doug Ford’s Big Election Victory Contrasts With Bleak Outlook for Ontario Liberals

Commentary Doug Ford rode into an election victory on the backs of an exhausted electorate who simply wants a sense of stability right now. I am not saying the Ford Progressive Conservatives sat back and did nothing. They made several smart, strategic political decisions that contributed to their victory. Timing is everything though, and with…