Protests targeting Ontario Premier Doug Ford took place across the province Saturday, including in Ottawa, as demonstrators voiced frustration over a range of government policies. In the capital, people gathered at the human rights monument as part of what organizers called a “Fight Ford” protest. Those taking part say it’s not just one issue bringing them out. Instead, many pointed to a growing list of concerns, including a lack of funding for health care, cuts to education, transparency at Queen’s Park, and the rising cost of living. For Zavi Gotham, the concerns are both personal and long-standing. “Doug Ford’s mandate needs to end,” Gotham says, adding that he feels government priorities are not reflecting the public interest. Gotham says issues like development of the Greenbelt, have kept him engaged for years. “The 413 has been something close to my heart since I was in high school… I’m 22 now and here I am still talking about it,” he says. Changes to OSAP were also a key focus. Earlier changes by the Ford government reduced non-repayable grants and increased reliance on loans, raising concerns among students about affordability. “As a student myself, the funding to the system… or lack thereof… is really detrimental to my life right now,” says Noah Gendron. The province has said it is increasing overall funding to the post-secondary sector, committing an additional $6.4 billion over four years. Ford has previously defended the changes, saying the previous level of funding was not sustainable. Still, some protestors say access to education remains at risk. “Without OSAP, there’s a lot of women today in Ontario that would not be educated,” says Amanda Brown. “I don’t want to see that world.” For Gotham, the goal is to keep speaking out and push for change. “Ontario needs a new premier,” he says. “If Doug Ford isn’t going to renew his mandate we need to call an election.”
