Doug Ford

In 2022, the Ford government removed land from the Greenbelt to allow development. The Auditor General concluded that the selection process was biased and had given preferential treatment to certain developers and landowners, with potential increases in land value of several billion dollars. Ford ultimately reversed the project and apologised.

State of the evidence

Documented

In July 2026, Ford claimed to have a zero public expense account and portrayed himself as a Premier with no expenses. Examination of public records, however, showed more than $44,000 in reimbursement claims since 2018, notably for flights, hotels and meals during official travel.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

The Ford government's Bill 124 limited compensation increases for many public-sector workers to 1% annually. Unions challenged it, and courts concluded that essential provisions violated freedom of association protected by the Charter.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Property developers' attendance at Ford family events, including his daughter's stag-and-doe and wedding, raised questions about access to the Premier and possible gifts, particularly in the context of Greenbelt policy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

The appointment of Ron Taverner, a Ford family friend, as Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner prompted allegations of favouritism and criticism from former interim Commissioner Brad Blair. Taverner ultimately withdrew his candidacy. Blair subsequently sued Ford for defamation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Facing a planned strike by education workers represented by CUPE, the Ford government passed Bill 28 imposing a contract, prohibiting strike action and pre-emptively invoking the notwithstanding clause. The measure prompted nationwide union mobilisation and a strike despite the legislation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Weeks after taking office, on the day municipal nominations closed, Ford announced legislation reducing Toronto City Council from 47 to 25 seats. The decision disrupted an election campaign already under way and triggered major constitutional litigation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Ford government required petrol retailers to display stickers setting out the cost of the federal carbon tax. Civil liberties organisations criticised the requirement as a form of compelled political speech imposed on businesses.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Several lucrative provincial appointments were cancelled or scrutinised after personal or professional connections with Ford's then Chief of Staff Dean French emerged. French resigned amid the scandal, and the government promised to review its appointment process.

State of the evidence

Documented

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

As a Toronto city councillor, Ford faced strong criticism for remarks concerning a Griffin Centre residential home accommodating young people with special needs in his neighbourhood. The dispute escalated into personal exchanges with supporters of the centre.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

A Globe and Mail investigation published in 2013 alleged, based on anonymous sources, that Doug Ford had sold hashish in the 1980s. Ford categorically denied the allegations and denounced 'sleazy' journalism.

Attribution

Directly implicated