On Saturday, protesters, including members of Ontario labour organizations from the Fight Ford movement, gathered at Confederation Park. They expressed their opposition to Premier Doug Ford’s government and demanded transparency.
The demonstrators carried signs and distributed information sheets to the local residents of Kingston as part of the Fight Ford initiative, which challenges Ford and his Progressive Conservative Party in Ontario.
Gaelyn Scarlett, an organizer and volunteer for Fight Ford in Kingston, shared her thoughts on the growing discontent with Doug Ford.
“My impression is that resistance to Ford is growing as Ontarians become aware that he is using his power to line his own pockets rather than serving the people’s interests, and as more people are adversely affected by his destructive policies,” said Scarlett.
Labour unions and education workers have also joined the cause, appearing at Confederation Park to show their support.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA), and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) are among the organizations participating in this movement, calling for change and transparency within the province.
“I’m certainly not surprised that they are concerned enough to join our protests…I just hope more people inform themselves about the spiraling provincial debt, the damage to the very services that make us relieved and proud to be Canadian, and the likely financial corruption at the heart of it all,” said Scarlett.
A recent poll from Angus Reid Institute regarding premier approval ratings found that Ford’s popularity has hit its lowest point during his eight years in office.
Steve Garrison, political action chair of OECTA and member of the Kingston District Labour Council, has attended several protests in Kingston and nearby areas. He shared his perspective on Ford’s declining support.
“I think it’s reached a turning point. There are so many people who have been affected; it’s built up, and now they’re becoming allies because they all have a common cause, and that is that they’ve all been negatively affected by Ford’s cuts,” said Garrison.
In an interview with YGK News, Garrison emphasized how crucial it is to educate Ontarians about Ford’s actions.
“He’s skillful in trying to navigate how he deals with the public,” Garrison said regarding Ford. “And so we feel that perhaps the public doesn’t have the full picture,” Garrison continued.
YGK News reached out to members of the Progressive Conservative Party for comment but did not receive a response.
The province-wide protest continues every month on the last Saturday. The next one will be held on July 25.
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