Protests Erupt in London Over Ford’s Policies

About 150 residents of London gathered in front of Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon to express their concerns about Ontario Premier Doug Ford and the provincial government’s policies. 

This protest was part of a larger series of ‘Fight Ford’ demonstrations taking place across Ontario that day, forming a province-wide movement.

April Ellis, who lives in London, Ont., stood with fellow protesters in the chilly air, voicing her opposition to policies that she believes are impacting her family. As a single parent with a high-school child who has a disability, Ellis mentioned that her family is feeling the negative effects of cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program and changes in healthcare policy.

“I’m here to say, I’m not okay with what’s happening.”

The protest started around 1:15 p. m., with attendees holding signs addressing key issues such as Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, and Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. They also highlighted changes to Freedom of Information requests and OSAP. Some signs read “release the Ford files,” “we can’t af Ford the government,” and “taxes for services, not for corporate subsidies.” 

Protester finishes their speech while raising the mic as a sign of empowerment during the Fight Ford protest at Victoria Park on March 28, 2026. 

Veronica Miranda / GAZETTE

The crowd led chants against the Ford government while passing cars honked their support.

“Who is Doug Ford?” asked one speaker using a megaphone.

“The premier we cannot afford,” replied the crowd.

Other chants included “land back, land back, Bill 5 is another attack,” and “no hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”

At press time, there was no response from the Office of the Premier regarding comments made during this protest.

“It really seems like Doug Ford is putting corporations and wealthy individuals ahead of everyday working people,” said Kellin Johnson from advocacy group International Socialists and one of the protest organizers speaking with Gazette.

Multiple speakers took turns addressing attendees. One notable speaker was Tabatha May from Spring Socialist Network; she focused on London’s drug crisis following news that Ontario would cut funding for supervised drug consumption sites including one located in London.

“This decision is part of a series of political actions that strip essential funding from public services. The Ford government claims it’s shifting away from harm reduction towards an abstinence-based approach – but there’s no evidence supporting this model or its effectiveness,” she explained.

Additional speakers included Peter Bergmanis from London Health Coalition, Skylar Mc Farlane representing ACORN London’s chapter, and Anthony Verberckmoes from Forest City Solidarity.

Participants at Fight Ford protest holding signs including one stating “PROTEST LAND & PEOPLE NOT CRONIES,” listening intently as leaders speak to them at Victoria Park on March 28, 2026.

Veronica Miranda / GAZETTE

Johanna Weststar, a professor at Western University teaching BMOS courses held up a sign saying “Beers or Boondoggle” criticizing how much money ($225 million) was given to pay off Beer Store’s contract so alcohol could be sold earlier in grocery stores. 

In an interview with Gazette she stated this move dismantled something that was functioning well just for some political gain for Ford.

“Ontario had one of the best recycling programs related to bottles and caps thanks to what Beer Store had set up – now it’s all fallen apart,” Weststar noted.

She pointed out how while other protesters talked about critical issues like healthcare and education reforms; she viewed this deal as showcasing mismanagement within Ontario’s government rather than focusing solely on those big topics.

Ben Fraraccio serving as vice-president student supervisors for CUPE 7575-the union representing education workers within Thames Valley District School Board-also addressed those gathered at this event. Speaking briefly after sharing his view through Gazette he expressed concern over how decisions made by Ford are harming public services across Ontario.

“CUPE represents Canada’s largest public sector union which gets significantly impacted whenever funds allocated toward public service initiatives get cut down substantially.. Today our education system suffers because we face severe understaffing issues combined alongside lackluster financial support leading us towards workplace violence outcomes.” Fraraccio remarked.