Roughly two dozen Meaford residents participated in a ‘Fight Back Against Ford’ protest on the steps of Meaford Hall on Saturday, February 21.
The protest was part of a series of demonstrations that have been held recently across the province by citizens, unions, students, and community groups, highlighting a range of issues from healthcare to post-secondary funding cuts, and in Meaford, some who participated protested the pumped storage facility that TC Energy hopes to build on the grounds of the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford.
“Great turnout for Meaford’s Fight Ford Protest today. Twenty-five people held signs showing a variety of important issues they want addressed by this government. People make change happen. Thank you for all those who attended and the many people who honked their support,” one of the local organizers, Norah Beatty, said on social media after the protest.
Meaford resident Lynne Lundberg told The Independent that the issues highlighted by those who gathered to protest were wide-ranging.
“Word went out around Meaford this week that residents were invited to protest the Ford government in solidarity with other municipalities in the province. A small, enthusiastic group that were not watching the Olympics and were willing to brave the wet weather met at Meaford Hall on Saturday afternoon. The signs carried by the group expressed dissatisfaction with many of Premier Doug Ford’s policies and actions,” Lundberg told The Independent. “The Save Georgian Bay group, who oppose the proposed TC Energy Pumped Storage facility were represented, but other issues included were: privatization and deterioration of health care; education under-funding and the taking over of elected school boards; Ministers Zoning Orders that override municipal planning; Ontario Place spa; dismantling of local Conservation Authorities, Strong Mayors legislation; highway 413; Wasaga Beach park sale; scandals such as trades funding distribution and also the downloading of responsibilities and interference in municipal affairs.”
Lundberg said that the protesters found support from motorists who passed the demonstration on Saturday.
“The number of honking horns and thumbs up during the protest indicates that many are opposed to what is happening at Queen’s Park. The Greenbelt was at least temporarily saved because of public protest. A new swell of resistance has begun in Ontario and is hopeful to make change happen,” said Lundberg.
