Don’t allow Trumpism into Ontario

Don’t allow Trumpism into Ontario

At the time of writing, the Progressive Conservatives and Doug Ford appear to be on fire in Ontario: a 1000-strong showing for their campaign launch at the Renfrew Armouries, and a commanding lead in the polls.  The victory of a Donald Trump doppelganger appears to be imminently at our doorsteps.

Mind you, Doug Ford is neither identical to nor as bad as Donald Trump.  Ford is not accused of, let alone having ever admitted to, groping young women.  Nor has Ford whipped up racial or anti-immigrant sentiments like Trump has. 

But both figures share striking similarities: a proud lack of knowledge on the finer details of public policy, an ethos of alpha-male dominance, a privileged upbringing under business elite fathers, an ironic claim to represent working class interests despite that upbringing, put-downs of female reporters, an opposition to all measures to curb global warming, and lack of experience with the branch of government that they intend to lead (notwithstanding Ford’s experience as a Toronto Councillor and MPP’s son).

What a shame it is that the PCs do not have a leader with a temperament more like the reputable MPP John Yakabuski, who upon his re-election would necessarily be bound to embarrassing solidarity with Ford’s would-be chaotic Premiership.  Voters of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke who want Trump-style politics kept out of Ontario must necessarily vote against the PCs, or else make clear to Mr. Yakabuski that they are voting only for him personally, not for another Torontonian business tycoon.

Stefan Klietsch

Renfrew