Protests are happening all over Ontario to voice opposition against Premier Doug Ford and some of the province’s recent controversial actions, including modifications to freedom of information (FOI) laws and OSAP funding.
Despite the rainy weather, hundreds gathered at Queen’s Park with signs and umbrellas, chanting “Doug Ford always lies, bring back FOI” and “no jets at Billy Bishop.”
Protester Doug Oliver shared that he participated in the rally Saturday because many residents are frustrated with the premier’s decisions, which he described as “anti-democratic.”
“If he is amending the [FOI] act in order to prevent people from accessing things like his cellphone records, then that tells me he has something to hide,” said Oliver.
A website called “Protesting Doug Ford” states that 55 protests are occurring in various cities across the province, including Ottawa, Scarborough, Sudbury and Waterloo.
The site encourages residents to contact their local member of provincial parliament to push for a no-confidence vote aimed at “forcing Ford to resign.”
“Doug Ford is tabling legislation that the people do not agree with and that hurts Ontarians,” the site claims. “He’s making so many changes within a short time and against the wishes of the people that it quietly erodes democracy.”
Hundreds gathered at Queen’s Park in Toronto on Saturday to protest various issues, including recent alterations to freedom of information laws protecting the premier and his cabinet. (Naama Weingarten/CBC)
Saturday’s protests followed similar events held throughout last month across the province.
On Friday, Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor granted royal assent to the controversial omnibus budget bill from Ford’s government – meaning its changes are now officially law.
The budget was approved after a vote at Queen’s Park on Thursday amid heated discussions and chants of “FOI” from opposition members.
This budget introduces a cap on resale ticket prices, one year HST rebate implementation, along with a retroactive FOI law designed to shield both the premier and his cabinet ministers from public access to documents.
The Transportation Minister also proposed a bill this week allowing the province to take over Toronto’s role regarding Billy Bishop Airport as part of an effort to expand it for jet usage.
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Hundreds rallied with flags and colorful signs during an anti-Ford demonstration in Waterloo, Ont. (Diego Pizarro/CBC)
Waterloo resident Dave Minnes urged the premier to consider what everyday citizens need.
“Social programs are very important; they affect education; they affect medicine,” he remarked. “Mr. Ford seems more focused on benefiting those who have more money than those who don’t.”
Crowd members cheered as NDP Leader Marit Stiles addressed them at the protest, declaring public healthcare as essential for Canadian society needing increased investment.
“It’s absolutely essential-and is part of who we are as Canadians-that we put patients and people ahead of profits,” she asserted.
A significant gathering also occurred in Ottawa where similar chants echoed through streets. Fight Ford Movement organizer Amanda Brown expressed her frustration saying she’s “sick of Ford.”
“We want our province back because we’re sick of getting thrown aside so Ford can enrich his friends,” she added. “It feels great seeing so many people come out instead of just sitting home feeling angry about everything.”
“We want a fresh start.”![]()
A large crowd also gathered in Ottawa where chants such as “hey ho, Doug Ford has got to go” resonated throughout. (CBC)
Ford’s omnibus budget bill passed. What will it mean for freedom of information laws?. The contentious budget bill featuring revisions about freedom-of-information regulations succeeded passing within Queen`s Park Thursday-while CBC reporter Lorenda Reddekopp explained retroactive FOIs would block access documents related officials’ activities-including cellphone records requested earlier by itself!Ford’s omnibus budget bill passed! Will this impact Freedom Of Information Laws?. According Ontario Ministry Finance spokesperson Sarah Chapin responded affirmatively asserting commitment towards streamlining processes cutting unnecessary red tape hindering economic growth much needed today!.s were planned before during consultations involving 35 meetings held alongside surveys written submissions targeting community engagement efforts outlining feedback received indicates local support yielded towards initiatives proposed addressing various sectors directly affecting constituents overall quality living standards families contribute daily life experience together. s underlined previous frameworks had become unsustainable faced pressures originating rising demands stemming federal policies encouraging accessibility within specific programs keeping students informed educational pursuits ultimately gaining beneficial exposure progressing journey toward future opportunities beyond classroom walls themselves!>
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Waterloo Activists Criticize Ford’s Healthcare Approach
A crowd chanted “hey ho, Doug Ford has got to go,” as hundreds gathered at Waterloo Town Square expressing concern over changes in healthcare policy. Protester Andrea Pentz stated she attended because she wants the province to focus on supporting existing healthcare systems. She realized how problematic things were when her mother went into hospital and sadly passed away a few months ago. “I’m going into my older years and I’m afraid,” she said. “Seeing it first hand, it’s like care won’t be there for me.”Toronto Protesters Face Rain While Opposing Ford
The mood among protesters was intense due mainly due variety concerns voiced by residents regarding numerous changes implemented by Premier Ford according post-secondary student Gurneet Singh. “I hate rain but right now I hate Doug Ford even more,” she declared. “It’s about collective power-seeing everyone showing up makes it really impactful.” Singh noted how many worries being expressed might mean that come next provincial election; it could lead some surprises for him ahead. Ethan Eastwood from Oshawa expressed concerns surrounding lack transparency given these “shameful” amendments made regarding FOI laws..Ford’s omnibus budget bill passed. What will it mean for freedom of information laws?. The contentious budget bill featuring revisions about freedom-of-information regulations succeeded passing within Queen`s Park Thursday-while CBC reporter Lorenda Reddekopp explained retroactive FOIs would block access documents related officials’ activities-including cellphone records requested earlier by itself!Ford’s omnibus budget bill passed! Will this impact Freedom Of Information Laws?. According Ontario Ministry Finance spokesperson Sarah Chapin responded affirmatively asserting commitment towards streamlining processes cutting unnecessary red tape hindering economic growth much needed today!.s were planned before during consultations involving 35 meetings held alongside surveys written submissions targeting community engagement efforts outlining feedback received indicates local support yielded towards initiatives proposed addressing various sectors directly affecting constituents overall quality living standards families contribute daily life experience together. s underlined previous frameworks had become unsustainable faced pressures originating rising demands stemming federal policies encouraging accessibility within specific programs keeping students informed educational pursuits ultimately gaining beneficial exposure progressing journey toward future opportunities beyond classroom walls themselves!>Source link
