Organizers of a monthly demonstration are highlighting what they see as questionable actions and decisions by Ontario’s premier.
Since February, the peaceful “Fighting Doug Ford Protest” has been held on the last Saturday of each month and has now spread to over 60 cities.
This month’s event is set for Saturday from 1 p. m. to 3 p. m. outside Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey’s office at 805 Christina St. N.
Spokesperson Lorrie Hodgin mentioned there have been many controversies surrounding Ford, and it’s important for the public to be informed.
She stated that Ford often makes decisions without consulting anyone.
“To start off, it was the spa on the waterfront in Toronto. The taxpayers are paying for the parking, which is $140 million, I think,” said Hodgin. “He started with the $29 million jet. Because there was so much upset, he reneged on it. But what was not said at the time, only 10 per cent of the airports in Ontario could accommodate that jet. The Billy Bishop Airport is owned by JP Morgan in New York. And of course, they would like it expanded. But it will impact all the people around it, and the plane’s coming in and out because of the noise.”
Hodgin emphasized that their main objective is to raise awareness about these issues.
“We recognize too that he has three years left. And if there is enough public protest, obviously things have to change. The classic example just last week was when the Angus Reid poll came out, and he was at 21 per cent. And he sounded so Trump-like by saying, fake, fake. And of course, Angus Reid sent a letter to him saying, oh no, sir, it was real.”
She’s also worried about changes to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act that she believes make it harder for journalists and citizens to obtain important information.
Documents, emails, text messages, and phone records held directly by the premier’s office, cabinet ministers, parliamentary assistants, and their political staff are completely exempt from FOI requests.
The statutory deadline for government institutions to respond to an FOI request was extended from 30 calendar days to 45 business days.
Other concerns include healthcare issues like selling Life Labs to a US company; cuts in education; and problems with Bill 60 known as Fighting Delays Building Faster Act.
The sweeping legislation passed in late 2025 alters 16 laws mainly affecting transit, housing regulations , and tenant rights.
An email sent to Sarnia News Today from a Minister of Health spokesperson stated OHIP-insured laboratory services remain publicly funded and performed within Ontario.
“Our government is making record investments in our healthcare system including in laboratory services and expanding the health-care workforce – investments the NDP have continuously voted against,” read the email. “Through programs such as the Learn and Stay Grant which has already supported nearly 3 ,800 students , we are also growing and strengthening Ontario’s pipeline of highly skilled medical laboratory technologists. We will continue delivering more connected , convenient care across every corner of province , always ensuring that people access health care they need with their OHIP card , never their credit card.”
The Ministry of Transportation also provided this statement regarding Billy Bishop Bridge.
“Our government is supporting long-term modernization expansion Billy Bishop Airport which is critical underutilized part Ontario’s transportation infrastructure,” read an email. “The economic benefit expanding Billy Bishop Airport too important not move forward.”
It mentioned first step plan complete expropriation city’s portion land , a process we recently took critical step toward passing legislation.
“Once expropriation complete , we will continue work closely Toronto Port Authority Federal government advance this critical project. We look forward working all partners tripartite agreement Billy Bishop Airport expansion project strengthen economy contributing up $8.5 billion Canada’s economy every year create thousands jobs make easier millions travelers businesses get around Ontario North America beyond.”
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