Strap the Fk In, Ontario!
Let’s get this out in the open right off the bat: Doug Ford is another wannabe Trump. The man practically licked the boots of The Donald until that cozy relationship started looking like political arsenic. Now he’s pulling off a snap election—not out of some noble calling to serve Ontarians, but because he’s scared shitless that all his scandal-riddled nonsense will finally swallow him whole.
And let’s not forget his starry-eyed love affair with Elon Musk—the guy spearheading the dismantling of the United States on behalf of Putin and the rest. Ford canceled a $100 million Starlink contract (RIP OFF ALERT!) because of Trump’s tariffs, only to bring it back once the dust settled—it’s political theater at its laziest. So here we are, Ontario, barreling into an election timed for Ford’s convenience, not ours.
What follows is a no-holds-barred takedown of Doug Ford’s biggest and most infuriating fuck-ups. Buckle up. We’re skipping the niceties and diving straight into the swamp.
Starlink Contract, Trump Tariffs & Suspicious Election Call (2025)
In early 2025, Doug Ford tore up a $100 million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink, blaming Donald Trump’s plan for a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. Then—like a bad TV show nobody asked for—Ford flip-flopped and brought the contract back as soon as the tariff threat cooled. If that wasn’t shady enough, Ford called a snap election in January 2025, right when the Greenbelt scandal was blowing up around him. Critics say it’s pretty clear he wanted to lock in his power before any legal heat could catch up. Nothing screams “public service” like rushing an election to dodge accountability, right?- AP News: https://apnews.com/article/canada-trump-tariffs-ontario-musk
- The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/24/doug-ford-election-trump-tariffs
RCMP Criminal Investigation
The RCMP is officially digging into Doug Ford’s government for what looks like good old-fashioned corruption and developer favoritism—especially tied to that shady Greenbelt land swap we keep hearing about. Ford keeps calling the allegations “baseless,” but let’s be honest: you don’t get a visit from the Mounties for a parking ticket. This is the kind of heat that only comes when there’s serious evidence on the table. If Ford thought he could dodge accountability by waving off the scandal, the RCMP clearly has other ideas.- CTV News (YouTube Report): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv3z8o8FgDE (Coverage on the RCMP investigation)
Rising Ontario Debt & Fiscal Mismanagement
Doug Ford loves to brag about being a “fiscal conservative,” but the proof is in the numbers. Under his watch, Ontario’s debt ballooned by a jaw-dropping $86 billion—hardly the belt-tightening we were promised. Instead of delivering a balanced budget or meaningful financial reforms, Ford handed out flashy distractions like corner-store booze and staged photo-ops. The result? Broken promises, deeper debt, and a province stuck footing the bill.- Wikipedia (2019 Ontario Budget): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Ontario_budget
- Ontario Government Budget Portal: https://budget.ontario.ca (Official documents and fiscal statements)
Cronyism, Nepotism & Corrupt Appointments
Doug Ford’s attempt to appoint his family friend, Ron Taverner, as the OPP Commissioner backfired so spectacularly that Taverner walked away before the ink was even dry. And that was just the opening act. Ford’s Chief of Staff, Dean French, engineered a revolving door of cozy appointments, loading government positions with buddies who had no business being there. One by one, these folks resigned once the media spotlight revealed their questionable connections—transforming Ford’s administration into a clown car of corruption.-
CBC News — Integrity watchdog confirms probe into appointment of Ron Taverner as Ontario’s top cop:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-opp-inquiry-taverner-ford-yarde-1.4950680
(Article covering the integrity commissioner’s investigation into Ron Taverner’s controversial appointment) -
CBC News — Ron Taverner, friend of Doug Ford, withdraws from consideration for OPP commissioner:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ron-taverner-withdraws-from-consideration-for-opp-commissioner-1.5046120
(Ron Taverner steps aside amid growing scrutiny over his close ties to Ford and the appointment process)
Attacks on Judges & the Justice System
Doug Ford made headlines by promising to “hold judges accountable” if they grant bail to repeat offenders—a move critics say is more about bullying the bench than protecting the public. By publicly threatening the judiciary, Ford is basically flipping the bird at the separation of powers. When a premier starts telling judges how to do their jobs, you can bet the rule of law is about to take a serious hit.-
Orillia Matters — ‘Chilling’: Ford vows to hold JPs and judges ‘accountable’ for decisions:
https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/chilling-ford-vows-to-hold-jps-and-judges-accountable-for-decisions-9285218
(Coverage of Ford’s statements and the immediate concerns raised by legal experts) -
The Trillium — Ford promises to hold JPs and judges ‘accountable’ for bail, ignites concern over judicial independence:
https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/justice/ford-promises-to-hold-jps-and-judges-accountable-for-bail-ignites-concern-over-judicial-independence-9282794
(Detailed analysis of how Ford’s remarks could undermine the judiciary’s independence) -
Law Times News — Legal groups voice concerns over Ford repeatedly saying he wants ‘like-minded’ judges:
https://www.lawtimesnews.com/news/general/legal-groups-voice-concerns-over-ford-repeatedly-saying-he-wants-like-minded-judges/384074
(Examination of Ford’s push for ideologically aligned judges and its potential impact on the legal system)

Anti-Labor Policies
In 2022, Doug Ford thought it was a good idea to bully CUPE education workers by forcing them into a contract and straight-up banning their right to strike. He even dragged out the notwithstanding clause—basically flipping off the Charter of Rights—to make sure no one could challenge him in court. But after giant protests and public outrage, he had to backpedal hard and repeal Bill 28. This is classic Doug: pick a fight, stir up trouble, and when the heat turns up, slink away pretending it never happened.-
CBC News — Ontario government repeals anti-strike law for CUPE education workers:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-government-repeals-education-bill-1.6650584
(Breakdown of Bill 28’s use and the subsequent repeal after massive pushback and union mobilization) -
CUPE — CUPE says Bill 28 is a call to arms for workers across Canada:
https://cupe.ca/cupe-says-bill-28-call-arms-workers-across-canada
(CUPE’s perspective on how Bill 28 catalyzed a broader labor movement and why Ford had to back down)
Allegations of Past Drug Trafficking (1980s)
Back in 2013, the Globe and Mail dropped a bombshell claiming that Doug Ford was involved in the hashish trade in 1980s Toronto. While no formal charges ever stuck, it’s the kind of rumor that makes you raise an eyebrow—especially for a guy who loves preaching about law and order. This might not be something Doug’s keen to highlight on his résumé, but it’s out there for anyone who wants to take a look.-
Wikipedia — Timeline of Rob Ford crack video scandal:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Rob_Ford_crack_video_scandal
(Context and key events surrounding the Rob Ford drug allegations and how Doug Ford’s name came up) -
The Globe and Mail — Globe investigation: The Ford family’s history with drug dealing:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/globe-investigation-the-ford-familys-history-with-drug-dealing/article12153014/
(Original investigative report detailing alleged drug-dealing ties within the Ford family) -
The Globe and Mail — Doug Ford disputes Globe report on family history with drug dealing:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/doug-ford-disputes-globe-report-on-family-history-with-drug-dealing/article12156831/
(Doug Ford’s denial and counter-statements following The Globe’s investigation)
The Greenbelt Scandal
Doug Ford took a wrecking ball to Ontario’s protected Greenbelt, removing 7,400 acres and handing a golden ticket to developer pals who just happened to snag the land ahead of time. As the scandal blew up, both Housing Minister Steve Clark and Public and Business Service Delivery Minister Kaleed Rasheed left their posts—like rats jumping off a sinking ship. And when the RCMP got involved, Ford finally reversed his decision. But let’s face it: the damage is already done, and the public trust took a huge hit.-
Wikipedia — Greenbelt scandal:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenbelt_scandal
(Overview of the Greenbelt scandal, including the political fallout and major players) -
CBC News — A timeline of key events in Ontario’s Greenbelt controversy:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-greenbelt-timeline-1.6974715
(Step-by-step breakdown of the unfolding controversy and its impact on the Ford government) -
Global News — Greenbelt scandal: Former AG reflects on investigation that rocked the Ford government:
https://globalnews.ca/news/10684664/greenbelt-investigation-auditor-general-retrospective/
(Insights from a former Auditor General on how the investigation shaped public perception and policy changes)
Ontario Place Destruction: Ford’s $2.2 Billion Boondoggle
Doug Ford’s government has embarked on a controversial redevelopment of Ontario Place, transforming cherished public green space into a massive private spa complex. This project, awarded to Austrian developer Therme Group, involves clear-cutting over 850 trees and leasing the land for an astonishing 95 years. The public cost has ballooned from an initial estimate of $300 million in 2019 to a staggering $2.2 billion in 2024. Ontario’s Auditor General slammed the process as “not fair, transparent or accountable,” highlighting secretive deals and a lack of public consultation. Despite widespread opposition and legal challenges, Ford’s administration is plowing ahead, prioritizing private interests over environmental preservation and public access. This reckless disregard for Toronto’s natural heritage is an affront to the community and a blatant misuse of taxpayer funds.-
The Art Newspaper — Controversial Ontario Place redevelopment and mega-spa could cost taxpayers $2.2bn, auditor general finds:
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/12/18/ontario-place-redevelopment-toronto-mega-spa-auditor-general-report
(Investigation report detailing cost overruns and public financial mismanagement in Ontario Place redevelopment) -
National Observer — Ford uses enhanced powers to force Ontario Place plans:
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/05/17/news/ford-using-enhanced-powers-force-Ontario-Place-redevelopment
(Coverage of the government’s use of enhanced powers to push through controversial redevelopment plans) -
CityNews Toronto — Ford government releases details of controversial 95-year lease with Therme Canada:
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/10/03/ontario-place-redevelopment-therme-canada-lease-details/
(Detailed breakdown of the lease terms and financial implications for the Ontario Place project) -
Global News — Bombshell AG report says Ontario Place redevelopment ‘not fair, transparent or accountable’:
https://globalnews.ca/news/10898839/auditor-general-ontario-place-2024/
(Audit findings criticizing the lack of transparency and accountability in the redevelopment process)
Misuse of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs)
One of Doug Ford’s favorite tricks has been whipping out MZOs (Minister’s Zoning Orders) to bulldoze local planning rules and fast-track developments—conveniently benefiting pals linked to his party. Municipalities and environmental advocates raised red flags, warning that these projects often bypass proper reviews. But Ford shrugged it off, treating the orders like a personal get-out-of-regulation-free card. MZOs were never meant to rubber-stamp every pet project; they’re supposed to address urgent provincial needs, not line the pockets of well-connected developers.-
CBC News — Ford government used MZOs 17 times more than previous 20 years in Ontario: AG report:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-mzo-process-overhaul-1.7399671
(Auditor General’s findings on how Ford ramped up the use of MZOs beyond historical norms) -
National Observer — Zoning out: Doug Ford’s special land-use orders:
https://www.nationalobserver.com/special-reports/zoning-out-doug-fords-special-land-use-orders
(Investigative piece on how these orders bypass regular planning processes for certain projects) -
Wikipedia — Minister’s zoning orders controversy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister%27s_zoning_orders_controversy
(General background and context on the controversy surrounding Ontario’s MZOs)
Healthcare
Bill 60 gave private clinics the green light to handle publicly funded surgeries, which critics say is basically a one-way ticket to two-tier health care. While this hands big profits to private operators, the public system is left bleeding nurses and scrambling for resources. Ford keeps talking about “efficiency,” but under his watch, funding cuts and burnout are pushing medical staff to their limits. Meanwhile, he’s busy throwing money at headline-grabbing freebies rather than shoring up a system that Ontarians actually rely on.-
Unifor — Bill 60 a dangerous path for Ontario to take:
https://www.unifor.org/news/all-news/proposed-bill-60-dangerous-path-ontario-take
(Unifor’s stance on why Bill 60 could undermine publicly funded healthcare and patient safety) -
CUPE — Ford Government continues Ontario Health restructuring chaos:
https://cupe.ca/ford-government-continues-ontario-health-restructuring-chaos
(Union perspective on how Ford’s restructuring is creating uncertainty and inefficiencies in the public health system) -
CBC News — Doug Ford government paying for-profit clinic more than hospitals for OHIP-covered surgeries, documents show:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-doug-ford-private-clinic-surgeries-fees-hospitals-1.7026926
(Reveals the preferential financial treatment given to private clinics over public hospitals) -
CBC News — Canada is short of doctors — and it’s turning away hundreds of its own physicians each year:
https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6743486
(Explains the doctor shortage crisis in Canada, which is worsened by underfunding and resource mismanagement) -
CUPE — Ford’s plan to expand private clinics in Ontario will cost patients dearly, risk lives and significantly worsen staffing shortages:
https://cupe.ca/fords-plan-expand-private-clinics-ontario-will-cost-patients-dearly-risk-lives-and-significantly
(Details on how expanding private clinics could compromise patient care and exacerbate staffing shortages in the public system)
Education
Doug Ford tried to drag Ontario’s sex-ed curriculum back to 1998—essentially pretending the internet, social media, and modern family structures don’t exist. Meanwhile, public schools have been starved of resources and funding, with class sizes ballooning and teachers left scrambling. It sure looks like Ford would rather pave the way for private or charter-style schools than invest in the system most Ontarians actually rely on.-
Global News — Doug Ford reverting Ontario back to 1998 sex-ed curriculum is ‘dangerous’ for kids, experts say:
https://globalnews.ca/news/4327836/doug-ford-1998-sex-ed-curriculum-dangerous/
(Experts express concern that rolling back the curriculum ignores modern realities like online safety and cyberbullying) -
OSSTF — Ford government trying to hide significant cuts to education funding:
https://www.osstf.on.ca/en-CA/news/ford-government-trying-to-hide-significant-cuts-to-education-funding.aspx
(Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation outlines how the province’s budget conceals major reductions in school resources) -
CUPE — Ford’s budget risks cutting 7,000 education workers across Ontario:
https://cupe.ca/fords-budget-risks-cutting-7000-education-workers-across-ontario
(Union warnings on how these cuts will impact student support services and classroom quality)
Environmental Destruction & Fossil Fuel Lobbying
Doug Ford didn’t just give fossil fuels a nod—he rolled out the red carpet. He overrode regulatory checks to push through a gas expansion project with Enbridge, raising alarms among environmental groups who saw it as shameless favoritism for Big Oil. Meanwhile, Ford systematically gutted renewable energy initiatives, leaving Ontario’s green future on the back burner. The message couldn’t be clearer: fossil fuel interests come first, and the environment can wait.-
National Observer — Doug Ford’s Enbridge ‘scandal’ must be investigated: climate groups:
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/05/10/news/climate-groups-want-doug-ford-enbridge-scandal-investigated
(Climate organizations call for an official probe into Ford’s dealings with Enbridge, alleging political favoritism over environmental stewardship) -
Green Party of Ontario — Doug Ford is in the pocket of oil and gas giants:
https://gpo.ca/green-over-greed/
(The Green Party highlights Ford’s alignment with fossil fuel interests over advancing clean energy solutions) -
Radio-Canada International — Doug Ford shifts direction on wind power in Ontario:
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2097832/doug-ford-shifts-direction-on-wind-power-in-ontario
(Coverage of Ford’s evolving stance on renewable energy, specifically on reintroducing or altering wind power initiatives)
Funding Cuts for Indigenous & Francophone Communities
In 2019, Doug Ford made the baffling choice to slash the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs budget by 50%, sending a clear message that reconciliation might be more of a buzzword than a real priority. On top of that, he pulled the plug on plans for a French-language university, leaving Ontario’s francophone population feeling like an afterthought. Together, these moves have alienated two communities that have long been fighting for recognition and support—and Ford’s cuts only deepen that divide.-
National Observer — After backlash, Doug Ford offers olive branch to Franco-Ontarians:
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2018/11/23/news/after-backlash-doug-ford-offers-olive-branch-franco-ontarians
(Explains how Ford tried to smooth things over with French-speaking communities following widespread criticism) -
Global News — Ford government in talks with Ottawa to revive plans for French-language university:
https://globalnews.ca/news/5820895/ontario-french-language-university/
(Details on behind-the-scenes discussions to potentially restore the now-canceled French-language university project) -
The Hill Times — Ford should do the right thing, show people he cares:
https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2019/01/14/182008/265099/
(Opinion piece urging Ford to support Franco-Ontarians in a tangible way rather than making hollow promises)
Bike Lane Removal Plan
In 2024, Doug Ford went on a mission to rip out bike lanes across Toronto, claiming it would “ease congestion.” But many saw it as a blatant move to appease suburban drivers who aren’t big fans of cyclists. Urban planners and biking advocates were furious—pointing out that fewer bike lanes mean higher accident risks and a big step backward for sustainable travel. Ford’s war on pedals proved once again that he’s more interested in short-term political points than long-term city planning.-
The Guardian — Bikes v cars: backlash after Ontario premier threatens to tear up cycling lanes in Toronto:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/18/ontario-toronto-bike-lanes
(Reports on the public outcry against Ford’s plan to remove bike lanes and the potential impact on Toronto’s traffic and safety) -
CBC News — Court challenge launched against Ontario bike lane removal legislation:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/court-challenge-bike-lanes-ontario-law-1.7407324
(Details on the legal battle initiated by advocacy groups and cyclists aiming to block Ford’s move) -
Cycling Magazine — Ontario Premier Doug Ford to opposition: ‘You believe in bike lanes and riding bikes and planting trees’:
https://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/ontario-premier-doug-ford-to-opposition-you-believe-in-bike-lanes-and-riding-bikes-and-planting-trees/
(Ford’s remarks reveal his stance on cycling infrastructure and environmental initiatives, stirring further debate)
IT’S PAST TIME TO Kick This DOFO Clown to the Curb!
There you have it—Doug Ford’s shameful highlight reel and the tip of the shit berg, from his Trump-style tariff dance to the Greenbelt fiasco, RCMP investigations, and a laundry list of screw-overs for labor, the environment, healthcare, education, and basically any group that doesn’t line his pockets. He’s bankrupting Ontario—morally and financially—while pulling every manipulative trick in the book to stay in power.
This snap election? It’s no civic duty. It’s a Hail Mary for a politician who knows the walls are closing in. So do us all a favor: the next time you step into a voting booth, remember the litany of bullshit above. Because Ontario deserves far better than a knockoff Trump doubling down on shady deals and backroom politics.
It’s time to show Doug Ford the door and find leadership that actually gives a damn about this province.
If you haven’t seen my “Cottage Talks” series yet, I crash Doug Ford’s cottage to chat about his latest antics, from convoy chaos to healthcare havoc and the Greenbelt grab. Click the thumbnails below to watch each episode and get the full scoop on Doug’s anti-Canadian BS.

This bullshit is changing every minute – follow on BlueSky for the latest.