Ontario Premier Doug Ford should be asking himself what comes next during the legislature's 21-week summer recess. This is a pivotal moment in his premiership as he approaches eight years in office on June 29, a point where governments often lose momentum and become complacent.
Ford's government appears to be in that zone, focusing mainly on Canada-U.S. trade issues and pet projects like expanding Toronto's Billy Bishop airport. Beyond these, what does Ford intend to accomplish with his remaining time in office?
Low Approval Rating
A new Angus Reid Institute poll shows Ford's approval rating at just 21 percent, the lowest among all premiers and his poorest ever. Ford dismissed it as a "fake" poll, suggesting the pollster surveyed Liberal and NDP caucuses. Despite his poor performance, Ford has been fortunate: the Liberals are leaderless, and the NDP is led by the struggling Marit Stiles.
Opportunity Without Electoral Peril
With another three years in office without facing voters, Ford has a gift of time. Here are steps he should take:
- Spend more time talking to Ontarians, not Americans. Leave Washington trips to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- Conduct a wide-ranging search for ideas, talking to business leaders, think tanks, non-profits, health care workers, and ordinary citizens. Seek out critics deliberately.
- Ask one question: "What more can I do to make Ontario better?"
- Focus on underfunded areas like hospital funding and support for the disabled.
Proposed Listening Tour and Cabinet Shuffle
A July and August listening tour should lead to a fall cabinet shuffle with new ministers and refreshed priorities. Ford's cabinet currently has 37 members, nearly half his caucus, and many are unknown to the public. A smaller, more focused cabinet is needed.
Ford must snap out of his slump and use this time to rebuild his agenda and reconnect with Ontarians.
