Readers of the Toronto Sun have voiced sharp criticism of Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal political figure Mark Carney in letters published on January 6, 2026, condemning what they see as a failure to adequately address antisemitism. The letters were published alongside other commentary on political rhetoric and election predictions.
Leadership Condemned in Aftermath of Boxing Day Disruption
The primary letter, authored by Pierre Bouchard of Port Perry, Ontario, is a direct response to a December 28 column by Brian Lilley regarding protesters disrupting shoppers at Toronto's Eaton Centre on Boxing Day. Bouchard's message is unequivocal: he accuses Ford and Carney of "pandering to a certain demographic" instead of explicitly condemning antisemitism as a standalone issue.
"The right thing, in case you are blissfully unaware, is to condemn antisemitism wherever and whenever it happens. Not to lump it in with other isms, but call it out as a stand-alone comment," Bouchard writes. He labels both politicians as "cowards" and concludes with "This is brutal!" An editor's note appended to the letter observes a "dearth of leadership on this issue" but acknowledges that Ontario's Solicitor General has spoken up.
Analysis of Political Rhetoric and Power Dynamics
A second letter from William Perry of Victoria, B.C., shifts focus to federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Perry analyzes Poilievre's "confrontational and populist style" and specifically dissects the phrase "war on woke."
Perry argues the phrase acts as "ambiguous threat signalling" and describes it as "textbook Stochastic intimidation"—language that doesn't directly command violence but emotionally licenses it. "First dehumanize the target, then claim victimhood, then introduce mortality adjacent language, no instructions, just implication," Perry writes, suggesting the tactic recruits the audience to finish the thought. He frames such rhetoric as a "power test" where the applause from supporters is the answer. An editor's note questions whether this approach is enough to sway undecided voters in an election.
Election Forecast and Publication Context
The final published letter is brief and forward-looking. Dan R. Eggleton writes, "I believe the Conservatives are going to be the next federal government. Possibly only a minority situation, but a win is a win." An editor concurs, labeling this an "entirely plausible scenario."
These reader submissions were featured in the January 6, 2026 edition of the Toronto Sun's Letters to the Editor section. The publication of these letters highlights ongoing public debate in Canada concerning political leadership, the response to hate speech, and the tone of federal political discourse as the country looks toward future elections.
