Dear Editor,
In February, the first organized, Fight Ford (Protest Doug), demonstrations were held across Ontario. The initial 15 rallies gained attention as word spread, and this momentum resulted in 38 protests on March 28. One was held in Meaford. People have many concerns about the actions of our Provincial government and a boiling over point has been reached, which has resulted in province-wide action.
Doug Ford’s government has been surrounded by several controversies, raising questions about what he is trying to hide. The most recent example is his legislation to exempt himself, his cabinet ministers and political aides from Freedom Of Information laws, both retroactively and into the future. Patricia Kosseim, the information and privacy commissioner, has filed a six point rebuttal to Premier Ford’s reasons for doing so. Perhaps it is this latest move to limit the public’s access to information they need to hold the government accountable that motivated 38 passionate and concerned Meaford citizens, some first time protesters, to rally outside Meaford Hall, on Mar. 28.
Comments from some of the protesters illustrate their rationale for showing up on a blustery, “Spring” Saturday.
“I am dismayed by the dismantling of our public healthcare system and our democratic processes. Also, the corruption of the Ford Government.” Judy Downey
“I am a retired high school guidance counsellor and I want students to be able to attend post secondary without years of debt…and I hate many of this government’s decisions. Where to begin?” Felicia McVannell
“Science Center relocation, greenbelt development, island airport expansion, 4000 sq. ft. single housing as opposed to affordable housing, lack of trust.” Doris George
“Ford is a tin pot Trump.” Marg and Jim Molineux
“Ford out, accountability in!” Lisa Norton & Brad Mear
“Blatant corruption of this government is staggering and now new legislation to obscure it. Ford needs to finally be charged by the RCMP.” Eva Mtkowska
“I am furious over Ford’s corruption and actions to impede proof of same. His handling of healthcare, education, privatization, USA threats, contracts to buddies, back room deals, destruction of greenbelt, closing of science centre, recent comments by Minister of Education regarding staff and student’s right to speak on OSAP costs, etc.” Elizabeth Matos
Everyone had a sign to carry. The signs further pinpoint why Ford’s popularity is at an all time low of 31% according to the most recent Angus Reid Poll. This is the lowest rating of all Canadian Premiers.
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No one needs the 401 tunnel! Everyone needs a hospital!!
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We pay taxes for healthcare, not wealth care.
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Invest in people, not polluters.
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Hell no! Ford must go! FOI changes. Privatization of healthcare. Corruption. OSAP changes.
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No more secret deals.
- Ford Obfuscates Info. What are you hiding?
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Ford’s Project Ontario: Gut, Privatize, Centralize, Repeat.
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Ford’s Ontario. Death by a Thousand Cuts: Healthcare, Education, Social Support, Protections, Public input. He is bleeding Ontario dry!
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Doug’s Rotten Ways = Democracy Decay
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With Doug Ford, All Species are at Risk!
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Fire Ford
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Ford’s Ontario: Public Assets = Private Gain
- FYI Doug: FOI means Fear Of Investigation!
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We Can’t Eat Casino Chips! Everyone Needs Food Security
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Stop 413; Stop Ford, Lecce now!
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Ford Quit Bending the Rules and Taking us for Fools.
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Is your MPP working for you?
Times are very tough for most people. It is a struggle to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. It is not getting easier but there is not an acceptable excuse for this government’s misplaced priorities and historic debt. Meanwhile, Ford is prioritizing vanity/legacy projects instead of funding public services that help people. This clash of priorities begs the question, “What is the basic role of government?” In tough times people need hope, a supportive community and a government, and local MPP, whose actions prove that they understand their plight and are working on all citizens’ behalf, not just for the benefit of themselves, business interests or wealthy donors. These protests show that the current government has a lot of work to do to regain the population’s trust. It is looking insurmountable. Many believe Ford must go because we can’t wait four more years for an election to bring change.
Yours sincerely,
Norah Beatty, Meaford
