haunted house

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday October 18, 2024

Doug Ford’s Vote-Buying Cheques: More Teflon Politics from the Master of Populism

It’s no surprise that Doug Ford, Ontario’s most Teflon-coated politician, is back with another crowd-pleasing move—rebate cheques for everyone! This latest gambit promises at least $200 for each Ontarian, totalling a whopping $3.2 billion. And what’s the timing? Just when rumours of an early election are swirling, giving Ford the perfect opportunity to play Santa Claus in January or February.

Ford’s strategy is simple but brilliant: send cash to voters, bask in their gratitude, and hope they forget all about the lingering scandals, underfunded hospitals, and crumbling schools. It’s textbook Doug—stay loved, stay ahead. And honestly, you’ve got to admire the man’s ability to wriggle out of controversy like a politician coated in non-stick spray. Scandal after scandal? No problem. Approval still high? Absolutely.

News: Doug Ford poised to send out pre-election cheques to 16 million Ontarians

This isn’t Ford’s first time at the “gimmick” rodeo. Before the 2022 election, he scrapped license plate renewal fees, burning through over a billion dollars annually just to keep drivers happy. Now, he’s doubling down on this strategy with rebate cheques, drawing comparisons to Mike Harris’s infamous $200 “dividends” back in 2000. It worked for Harris, and Ford knows it will work for him—because, let’s face it, people love free money.

But behind the generosity lies a political calculation. Ford knows these cheques won’t solve Ontario’s big problems—healthcare, housing, and education. Yet, he’s banking on the fact that voters will focus on the short-term relief and forget the bigger picture. His opponents call it out for what it is: a blatant attempt to buy votes with taxpayers’ money. Even Green Party leader Mike Schreiner quipped about wealthy elites like Galen Weston receiving cheques, reinforcing the absurdity of the plan.

Ford isn’t just a politician; he’s a populist performer. His persona—part “man of the people,” part “never raise a tax” crusader—makes him hard to pin down. No matter how much opposition parties or pundits criticize him, he somehow escapes unscathed. In fact, recent Abacus polling shows his Progressive Conservative Party enjoying a 44% approval rating, a comfortable lead over the Liberals and NDP. Ontarians may shake their heads at Ford’s antics, but many still trust him to keep their wallets full and taxes low.

It’s not that people don’t see through his tactics—many do. Reader comments across platforms are filled with frustrations: “Put the money into healthcare!” and “This is reckless!” Yet, Ford knows exactly what he’s doing. For every person angry at this move, there are many more quietly pleased that they’ll have some extra cash to cover holiday bills in January.

The real issue is that $200 rebates don’t build hospitals, reduce class sizes, or fix the housing crisis. Ontario’s healthcare system remains overburdened, with emergency departments closing and healthcare workers struggling to keep up. Yet instead of directing funds where they are needed, Ford is throwing money at the masses, knowing full well it will temporarily boost his popularity.

Still, you can’t help but chuckle at the sheer audacity. Ford operates with the confidence of a politician who knows he can get away with it—and, so far, he has. Whether it’s pushing controversial policies or rolling back unpopular taxes, he emerges unscathed, Teflon intact. If there were a political equivalent of Canada’s Wonderland, Ford would be the roller coaster: wild, unpredictable, but somehow still standing at the end of every ride.

At the end of the day, Ford’s rebate scheme may be nothing more than a temporary distraction—a sugar high that fades fast. But for a politician who thrives on short-term gains and public adoration, it’s a winning formula. Love him or hate him, Doug Ford knows how to play the game better than most. And if this plan helps him sail through another election? Well, that’s just classic Doug.

So, Ontarians, enjoy your $200 rebate—and remember, no matter how slippery the political landscape gets, Doug Ford will always be one step ahead, smiling, waving, and handing out cheques like candy on Halloween. (AI)