Doesn’t Ontario\u0027s premier, like the rest of us, want to fully understand what went awry at the protest that shook downtown Ottawa?
The occupation of Ottawa’s downtown for three weeks by a range of protesters — some of whom harassed, threatened and even assaulted people, while forcing the closure of businesses and disrupting daily lives — would seem just the sort of thing Ontario’s highest elected official would be eager to discuss.
So it’s all about principles? Um, no. Ford told the legislature, “For Ontario, this was a policing matter, it was not a political matter.” In other words, nothing to do with him. Yet his court filings suggest the premier’s testimony would be essential. The file contains commission emails detailing some of its questions for the premier, such as why the province waited two weeks to invoke its own emergency powers — and, importantly, whether it felt its own law wasn’t enough to clear the protesters in Ottawa and in Windsor. The commission needs to know if, ultimately, Ford felt federal powers were needed.
It has politically awkward questions for the premier too, which may be why he’s cowering. But barely into a robust, four-year mandate, Ford ought not be concerned about some personal embarrassment if he helps the commission. Other politicians have testified – Jim Watson, for instance – and federal ministers, including the prime minister, will also appear. Is Ford’s knowledge and view of the affair really so pathetic that he can’t show up? C’mon Premier: no Ontario city should have to endure the kind of anarchy that descended on Ottawa last winter. We need answers. Act like a leader and speak up.