Challenges in the Life of Doug Ford in a Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Doug Ford's life and career.
Doug Ford is a Canadian politician and businessman currently serving as the 26th Premier of Ontario since 2018. He also leads the Progressive Conservative Party. Ford represents the Toronto riding of Etobicoke North in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
2011: Ford Promotes Port Lands Plan
In 2011, Doug Ford promoted an alternative plan for the Port Lands district of Toronto, which was ridiculed and voted down by the council.
2014: Ford runs for Toronto Mayor
In 2014, Doug Ford ran for Toronto mayoral election, where he placed second behind John Tory.
December 2016: Integrity Commissioner Finds Ford Broke Code of Conduct
In December 2016, the City of Toronto's integrity commissioner concluded that Doug Ford broke the city's code of conduct when he was a councillor by improperly using his influence.
September 2018: Minimum Wage Freeze
In September 2018, Doug Ford's government froze the minimum wage at $14 per hour and cancelled a planned increase.
December 5, 2018: Hydro One's Avista Takeover Rejected
On December 5, 2018, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission rejected Hydro One's $3.4 billion takeover of Avista due to political risks in Ontario.
2018: Proposed Teaching Job Cuts and Program Cancellations
Immediately after taking office in 2018, Ford proposed to cut 3,475 Ontario teaching jobs over four years and cancelled various programs, including the Green Ontario Fund residential rebate program.
June 2019: Funding Cuts for School Programs
By June 2019, the Ford government had removed or decreased funding for various school programs and initiatives.
2019: Cost-Sharing Arrangement Adjustment for Toronto Public Health and Paramedic Services
In 2019, the government announced that it would adjust the cost-sharing arrangement for Toronto Public Health and Toronto Paramedic Services resulting in retroactive cuts that would total $177 million a year and $1 billion cut in Toronto over 10 years.
January 27, 2020: First Confirmed COVID-19 Case in Canada
On January 27, 2020, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Canada was reported in Ontario, marking the arrival of the global pandemic in the country.
March 11, 2020: WHO Declares COVID-19 a Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization recognized the COVID-19 outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019, as a pandemic, signaling its global spread.
2020: Healthcare Spending Less Than Budgeted
In 2020, Ford's government spent $3.5 billion less on health care than budgeted.
April 2021: Ford Isolates After Staffer Contracts COVID-19
In April 2021, Premier Ford was in isolation following contact with a staff member who had contracted COVID-19.
April 16, 2021: Ford Announces Stricter COVID-19 Restrictions
On April 16, 2021, Premier Ford announced stricter COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario, including closing outdoor amenities and authorizing police to question individuals outside their homes, leading to significant backlash and concerns about civil liberties.
April 30, 2021: Ford Requests Halt to International Students
On April 30, 2021, Premier Ford requested the federal government to stop international students from entering Ontario in an effort to curb the third wave of COVID-19.
September 2021: Injunction on Mining in Wiisinin Zaahgi'igan
In September 2021, an Ontario judge issued an injunction on mining in Wiisinin Zaahgi'igan, an area sacred to the Ginoogaming First Nation, due to a lack of proper consultation by the Ontario government.
December 2021: New Restrictions on Indoor Settings
In December 2021, Ford's government announced new restrictions on indoor settings during the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
December 20, 2021: Ontario Expands COVID-19 Booster Eligibility
On December 20, 2021, the Ontario government allowed all Ontarians over 18 to receive a third or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, following growing calls for expanded eligibility.
January 3, 2022: Ontario Moves to Modified Step 2 Restrictions
On January 3, 2022, Premier Ford announced that Ontario would move into a modified Step 2 on January 5, closing indoor dining, gyms, movie theaters, and schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
January 2022: Omicron Variant Emergence
In January 2022, Ford's government addressed the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
November 3, 2022: Bill 28 (Keeping Students in Class Act) Passed
On November 3, 2022, the Ford government passed Bill 28, also known as the Keeping Students in Class Act, imposing a contract on CUPE and making it illegal to strike.
July 2023: Ford Government Pledged Funding to Combat ER Closures
In July 2023, The Ford government pledged $44 million to combat ER closures.
September 7, 2023: Ombudsman Report on Long-Term Care Oversight Released
On September 7, 2023, the Ombudsman of Ontario's report was released, detailing the Ministry of Long-Term Care's failure to protect residents through inspection and enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 2024: Ford Government Pledged Funding to Combat Staff Shortages
In November 2024, the Ford government pledged $500 million to combat ER closures due to staff shortages.
December 2024: Ontario Debt Increase
As of December 2024, the Ontario debt has increased by $86 billion since Ford took office.
2024: Criticism for Failing to Open Eglinton Crosstown
In 2024, Ford has been criticized for failing to open the Eglinton Crosstown, which reached its 14th year of construction, prompting calls for a public inquiry.
2024: Indigenous Consultation Removed for Highway 413
In 2024, Ford's Reducing Gridlock, Saving you Time Act removed the requirement for future Indigenous consultation for Highway 413, potentially contravening Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act.
2024: Ontario Place Redevelopment Cost Increase
In 2024, the total cost of the Ontario Place redevelopment reached $2.2 billion, which is a significant increase from the $400 million predicted in 2019.
