Doug Ford, Jr.

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Doug Ford, Jr.
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Leader of the
Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Assumed office
March 10, 2018
Preceded by Vic Fedeli (interim)
Toronto City Councillor
for Ward 2 Etobicoke North
In office
December 1, 2010 – November 30, 2014
Preceded by Rob Ford
Succeeded by Rob Ford
Personal details
Born Douglas Bruce Ford Jr.[1][2]
(1964-11-20) November 20, 1964 (age 59)
Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Political party Progressive Conservative
Other political
affiliations
Independent (municipal)
Conservative (federal)
Spouse(s) Karla Middlebrook
Relations Rob Ford (brother),
Doug Ford Sr. (father)
Michael Ford (nephew)
Children 4 (including Krista)
Residence Humberwood
Occupation Businessman
Politician

Douglas Bruce Ford Jr. (born November 20, 1964), known commonly as Doug Ford, is a Canadian businessman and politician who is the current leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, since 10 March 2018. He is the older brother of the late Mayor of Toronto Rob Ford.

Ford was Toronto City Councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North in Toronto from 2010 to 2014 at the same time that his brother, Rob Ford, was mayor of Toronto. Their father, Doug Ford Sr., was a Member of Provincial Parliament from 1995 to 1999 and founded Deco Labels and Tags, a printing business operating in Canada and the United States. The business is now owned by Doug Ford Jr., who has served as company president since 2002, and his brother, Randy.[3]

Ford ran for the 2014 Toronto mayoral election where he placed second behind John Tory. In 2017, Ford announced his candidacy for the 2018 Toronto mayoral election but announced in January 2018 he would no longer run for mayor in order to run for the 2018 PC leadership race, which was triggered by the resignation of Patrick Brown due to sexual misconduct allegations. On March 10, 2018, he closely defeated Christine Elliott on the third ballot to win the race.

Early life

Ford was born in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, one of four children of Doug Ford Sr. and Ruth Diane (Campbell).[4]

An investigative report by The Globe and Mail published in May 2013 alleged that Ford sold hashish at James Gardens for several years in the 1980s,[5][6] based on interviews with anonymous sources and noting that the newspaper could find no record of drug-related criminal charges against Ford.[7] Ford denied the allegations[8] and accused the newspaper of unfairly targeting his brother, then-Mayor Rob Ford. The newspaper defended its use of anonymous sources at an Ontario Press Council hearing. Ford was never charged with an offence.[6][9] Ford said he planned to sue the newspaper for libel, but did not do so.[10]

Business career

Starting in the 1990s, Ford became involved in the running of Deco Labels and Tags, a business co-founded by his father.[11] The company makes pressure-sensitive labels for plastic-wrapped grocery products at an estimated $100 million in annual sales.[12] Doug Jr became president of the company in 2002, and was responsible for the company's expansion into Chicago. Nearing his death, his father divided up the company leaving 40% to Doug Jr, 40% to Randy and 20% to Rob. In 2008, Doug Jr launched the purchase of Wise Tag and Label in New Jersey and fired Wise Tag's manager, leading to a 2012 lawsuit. Former Deco employees suggest that the company was well-managed under Doug Jr and that he was well-liked in Chicago, but that the company declined under Randy's leadership after Doug Jr entered politics in 2010.[13] The Toronto division has also struggled to deliver orders on time.[3]

As of 2011, Ford and his mother are directors of the company, which is managed by his brother Randy.[12][14]

Political career

Toronto City Councillor

On October 25, 2010, Ford was elected to Toronto City Council in Ward 2, succeeding his brother, Rob, as councillor for the ward. Rob had entered the mayoral election and was elected Mayor of Toronto in the same election. Upon election, Ford announced that he would donate his $100,000 annual salary to community organizations.[15]

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Doug Ford in 2011

While on city council, Ford served on the board of Build Toronto,[16] an arms-length city body responsible for developing and selling city land. He was also a director of the Canadian National Exhibition, and serves on the Budget Committee, the Civic Appointments Committee and the Government Management Committee at Council.[17]

Ford was a member of the board of Toronto Transit Infrastructure Limited, a corporation set up to finance a Sheppard Avenue subway extension, which was later cancelled by council. In 2011, Ford promoted an alternative plan for the Port Lands district of Toronto, including a monorail, a boat-in hotel, the world's largest Ferris wheel and a mega-mall.[18] Ford's plan was turned down by Council, but Ford's attention did lead to, and result in, an agreement to speed up development of the Port Lands.

In June 2013, Ford announced that he would not run for re-election as councillor in the next Toronto election, scheduled for 2014: "I won't be running next time, at least down here I won't be running, I’ll be running away from this place in 16 months", expressing his frustration with municipal politics.[19] It was speculated at the time that Ford may be a Progressive Conservative (PC) candidate for a future Ontario election, or interested in the leadership of the Progressive Conservatives.[20] However, on February 20, 2014, after meeting with Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak, Ford announced that he would not be a candidate in the next provincial election, which was called for June 12, 2014, so that he could focus on his brother's re-election campaign. Ford added that he did intend to be a candidate in a subsequent provincial election: "I'll tell you, I will eventually, one day, run provincially ... The timing right now just doesn't work."[21]

Ford caused some controversy after revealing information that his brother would be served a subpoena if his brother's friend and driver Alexander Lisi went to court over charges of extortion.[22] Ford commented that the subpoena was in "payback" of Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair not getting a contract renewal with the Toronto Police Service, saying that "This is why we need a change at the top", in regards to Blair's contract.[23] Blair filed a defamation lawsuit, demanding a written apology in exchange for dropping the suit. Ford apologized verbally and then later apologized and retracted the comments in writing.[24]

In December 2016, the City of Toronto's integrity commissioner concluded that Ford broke the city's code of conduct when he was a councillor. Ford improperly used his influence in municipal matters pertaining to companies that were clients of his family's company. Since Ford is no longer a councillor, the commissioner did not recommend any sanctions for Ford.[25]

2014 Toronto mayoral campaign

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After his brother Rob entered drug rehab in May 2014, Doug commented that he would not rule out running for mayor.[26] Rob Ford returned from rehab and continued his campaign for mayor, but withdrew after he was diagnosed with an abdominal tumor and hospitalized. Doug then entered the mayoral campaign in the last hour before the nomination deadline on September 12, 2014.[27] When asked if his brother was accused of antisemitism, Ford defending him by stating that “You know something? My doctor — my Jewish doctor, my Jewish dentist, my Jewish lawyer — Hold on, my Jewish accountant" and “Our family has the utmost respect for the Jewish community,”.[28] Ford's campaign got the attention of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver who closed an episode begging Torontonians to vote for Doug Ford for the world’s amusement. [29] Doug Ford maintained the support that Rob had in the polls, and made no significant ground against frontrunner John Tory, but maintained his lead over Olivia Chow. Ford lost the election to Tory, having 34% of the support compared to Tory's 40%. Ford's campaign was fined $11,950 for placing 478 illegal lawn signs during the campaign, including placing signs on the Don Valley Parkway, the Gardiner Expressway, and on civic buildings and parks.[30]

Speculation on provincial and federal leaderships, 2014

Following his unsuccessful mayoral candidacy there was speculation that Ford would become a candidate for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario with Ford telling reporters "I'll be upfront with you. It's on the table, I would really consider it. I really would" adding "Our campaign is ready to go. Our people are itching to get involved. We are miles ahead of the other candidates."[31] On November 27, 2014, Ford announced that he would not be a candidate for the position and endorsed the candidacy of family friend Christine Elliott.[32]

Discontinued 2018 Toronto mayoral campaign

On September 9, 2017, Ford announced at his family's annual barbecue that he would run for mayor of Toronto in the 2018 election. He said, "this one's for you, Robbie", referring to his younger brother Rob who died the previous year.[33] Ford said that his opponent, John Tory, the current mayor, is "all talk and broken promises". It would be Ford's second run for the Toronto mayoralty after losing to John Tory in 2014.[34] In an episode of the TVOntario series Political Blind Date which aired in November 2017, Ford was paired with then Ontario NDP MPP for Bramalea—Gore—Malton Jagmeet Singh[lower-alpha 1] and the two debated the merits of bicycle lanes and different forms of public transit.[35]During this encounter, Singh was amazed to see the outpouring of affection for Ford from diverse cultures on St. Clair Ave.[36] He announced on February 1, 2018 that he no longer planned to run for the Toronto mayoralty in 2018 because he intended to focus entirely on his campaign for PC leader.[37]

2018 Progressive Conservative leadership campaign

Ford For Leader
Candidate Doug Ford
Affiliation Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Status Won
Headquarters Toronto
Slogan Strong Party, Strong Ontario[38]
Website fordforleader.ca

Following the sudden resignation of Patrick Brown, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, Ford announced on January 29, 2018 that he would seek the leadership of the party ahead of the 2018 Ontario general election.[39][40] On January 31, 2018 Ford announced he would seek the PC nomination in Etobicoke North and run for the seat in the 2018 election.[41]

He was one of the four official candidates running for the PC leadership along with Christine Elliott, Caroline Mulroney, and Tanya Granic Allen.

In a jammed full hall in Sudbury, Ford told the people, "I love Sudbury", and that he would be sure Northern Ontarians' issues are addressed at Queen's Park. "I love the people here. They're down to earth, they're real people, they're grassroots people. And they've been ignored," Ford emphasized. Ford said that he and local candidate Troy Crowder would team up to fight for Sudburians. Ford's message was that he relates to the front-line, working-class people whereas the other candidates don't and he drew a stark comparison between the other PC candidates and himself, calling his opponents "Insiders", "political elites", and "Liberal lite". "I'm proud that I'm a social conservative. And I stand up for the little guy." Ford said, summing up his theme.[42]

Ford brought up a hospital experience with his brother, Rob Ford as an example of how 'broken" Ontario's health care system is. He said the former Toronto mayor fell while he was guiding him to a chair, Ford said, and only two nursing staff were available on the floor, so he had to rush down 11 floors to find a pair of security guards to help. As for the Northern Ontario Ring of Fire, the candidate said he's ready to take action. Ford also wants to reintroduce the Ontario Northland train routes that the Liberals scrapped, citing the need to get to the best hospitals in southern Ontario. [43] He also told people in Huntsville that the province's health-care system is broken and that the province should be able to sustain small and medium sized hospitals like those in Muskoka.[44]

A February Ipsos/Global News poll found that Ford has the most support of all the PC Leadership candidates in Toronto and would beat the Liberals in the city by nine points, but a Mainstreet poll only showed him doing marginally better than the other PC candidates. [45]

On March 10, Ford won the PC Leadership on the third ballot. The results were too close to call, so the announcement could not be made at the originally scheduled convention. A news conference was held later that night after a recount was completed.[46]

Political positions

Abortion

Ford stated that he would support the introduction of legislation requiring teenagers to obtain parental consent before obtaining an abortion.[47][48]

Sex education

Ford has stated that he believes the sex education curriculum of Ontario needs to be revised, and was critical of the new curriculum introduced in 2015.[49][50]

Climate change

One of Ford's main campaign policies in the 2018 PC leadership election was his opposition to cap-and-trade as well as the federal government's carbon tax.[51]

Personal life

Ford and his wife Karla (née Middlebrook) have four daughters: Krista,[52] Kayla, Kara and Kyla. Doug has stated that Karla's maternal grandparents were Jewish and immigrated to Canada from Europe to flee persecution, though records indicate the family was Russian Orthodox Christian.[53][54]

Ford became an "ethical vegetarian" after working in a meatpacking plant as a teenager[55] and while this is no longer the case, he still doesn't eat red meat.[56]

In 2016, Ford announced the release of a book written by himself and his brother, Rob, titled Ford Nation: Two Brothers, One Vision — The True Story of the People's Mayor'. The book was released on November 22 and Ford held a small book tour across the Toronto area.[57]

Electoral record

2010 Toronto election, Ward 2
Candidate Votes  %
Doug Ford 12,660 71.68
Cadigia Ali 2,346 13.28
Luciano Rizzuti 828 4.69
Rajinder Lall 736 4.17
Andrew Saikaley 637 3.60
Jason Pedlar 455 2.58
Total 17,662 100%
2014 Toronto mayoral election
Candidate Votes[58] %
John Tory 394,775 40.28
Doug Ford 330,610 33.73
Olivia Chow 227,003 23.15
64 other candidates 7,913 2.84
Total 980,177 100.00
2018 Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership election
Candidate Ballot 1 Ballot 2 Ballot 3
Name Votes Points Votes +/- Points +/- Votes +/- Points +/-
Christine Elliott TBD 4,187
34.13%
TBD TBD 4,394
35.82%
207
1.69%
32,202
51.74%
TBD 6,049
49.38%
1,655
13.56%
Doug Ford TBD 4,091
33.35%
TBD TBD 5,652
46.08%
1,561
12.73%
30,041
48.26%
TBD 6,202
50.62%
550
4.54%
Caroline Mulroney TBD 2,107
17.18%
TBD TBD 2,221
18.11%
114
0.93%
eliminated
Tanya Granic Allen TBD 1,882
15.34%
eliminated
TOTAL 64,043 12,267 63,545 -498 12,267 0 62,243 -1,302 12,251 -16

Notes

  1. Between the filming and airing of the episode Singh was elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party

References

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  12. 12.0 12.1 McDonald 2012, p. 43.
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  38. https://www.fordforleader.ca
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  42. http://www.thesudburystar.com/2018/02/28/i-love-sudbury-doug-ford-says
  43. http://www.thesudburystar.com/2018/02/28/i-love-sudbury-doug-ford-says
  44. https://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/8288213-pc-leader-hopeful-doug-ford-wades-into-muskoka-hospital-debate/
  45. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/grenier-ford-toronto-pcs-1.4535313
  46. https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/ontario-pc-party-fails-to-announce-new-leader-as-review-underway-1.3837319#_gus&_gucid=&_gup=twitter&_gsc=yXZAi2Y
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  58. http://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/City%20Clerks/Elections/Library/Files/Results%20PDFs/2014%20Election/2014clerksofficialdeclarationofresults.pdf

Further reading

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External links