cash grab

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 9, 2025

Also published in The Toronto Star. 

Ford’s Speed Camera Crusade: A Roadblock to Progress

In the landscape of Ontario politics, Premier Doug Ford’s unyielding crusade against speed cameras has emerged as a perplexing focal point. This battle, characterized by labeling the cameras as mere “cash grabs,” seems oddly disproportionate when juxtaposed against the myriad of pressing issues facing the province. By digging his heels in so firmly, Ford appears to be prioritizing the grievances of speeding drivers over the broader public safety and fiscal concerns posed by municipalities.

The data speaks volumes: studies have shown that speed cameras effectively reduce speeding by up to 45% in critical areas like school zones. These cameras are not just about penalizing drivers; they’re about saving lives, reducing accidents, and ensuring safer streets for all. Yet, Ford dismisses these benefits, opting instead to propose alternatives like roundabouts and speed bumps, which are not without their own drawbacks, such as slowing emergency response times.

News: ‘The answer is no’: Doug Ford rejects mayors’ plea to rethink banning speed camera ‘cash grab’

Additionally, sin taxes, such as those imposed by speed cameras, represent a strategic method for municipalities to raise necessary funds while curbing undesirable behaviours. These financial penalties support essential services and infrastructure improvements that directly benefit the community. With Ford’s decision to eliminate speed cameras, mayors and city councils are now tasked with finding alternative sources to replace this so-called “cash grab.” This could mean introducing new taxes or cutting services, both of which could have significant implications for residents and the overall well-being of Ontario’s cities.

What makes this stance even more puzzling is the revelation that vehicles registered to his own cabinet have been frequently caught by these very cameras. This raises questions about the motivations behind such a vehement opposition. If the goal is truly to enhance road safety, why disregard the tools that have proven effective?

Imagine if this level of passion and energy were directed toward tackling Ontario’s more urgent challenges. The province faces significant issues, from healthcare and education to affordable housing and climate change. Each of these arenas demands thoughtful, evidence-based policies and collaborative efforts. Yet, the focus remains on dismantling a system that, while imperfect, serves a critical public safety function.

News: Doug Ford’s cabinet ministers are getting a lot of speeding tickets

Ford’s approach suggests a disconnect between the administration and the lived realities of Ontarians. Safety experts, municipal leaders, and citizens are calling for practical solutions that address road safety without compromising financial stability. Ignoring these voices undermines the potential for constructive dialogue and progress.

In the end, leadership is about prioritizing the well-being of all citizens, not just a vocal minority. If Ford were to channel his resolve into addressing the true challenges facing Ontario, imagine the progress that could be achieved. A leader’s legacy should be measured by the positive impact on the lives of those they serve, not by an obsession with curbing tools designed to protect the public.

---

Ford’s Speed Bump

You know, I sometimes find myself pushing the speed limit, especially when the open roads in the countryside invite a little extra gas, or when I’m stuck behind slow drivers who seem oblivious to the world around them. It’s frustrating, right? But then there are those real speed demons—the ones who recklessly weave through traffic and endanger everyone, especially near schools and pedestrian areas. And right now, it feels like Doug Ford is siding with these reckless drivers, just like he did with land developers eager to tear up the Greenbelt. Thankfully, public outcry eventually made him see sense there. I think we’re at a similar crossroads with the speed cameras issue. If enough people speak up, maybe Ford will realize this isn’t the hill to die on. It’s time to back the speed cameras help calm traffic and let police tackle bigger issues. Come on, Dougie, it’s not worth the fight.