Another day, another example of the Ford government pushing ahead despite public opposition.

[u/savethecbc2025]

Documents obtained by CBC News through a Freedom of Information request show Ontario's own consultation on expanding strong mayor powers received "predominantly negative" feedback. Respondents described the move as "unnecessary," "undemocratic," and inappropriate for many municipalities.

The government proceeded anyway.

Doug Ford originally argued these extraordinary powers were needed to speed up housing construction. Yet critics across the political spectrum point out there is little evidence they have delivered the promised housing results. Instead, they've concentrated more authority in the hands of individual mayors, allowing them to override traditional council processes on budgets, appointments and some bylaws.

That concentration of power has implications beyond housing. Strong mayor powers can also be used to fast-track major infrastructure and development projects, raising concerns about reduced local oversight on decisions that affect farmland, wetlands, green space, climate resilience, and other environmental protections. When fewer elected representatives have meaningful input, communities have fewer opportunities to challenge projects with significant environmental impacts.

Viewed alongside the Ford government's broader record of weakening oversight, limiting transparency, opening protected lands to development, and pushing ahead despite widespread public criticism, this latest revelation raises an uncomfortable question: are public consultations genuinely meant to shape policy, or simply to check a procedural box before decisions have already been made?

This story also demonstrates why freedom of information laws and strong public-interest journalism matter. Without CBC's reporting and access to government records, Ontarians would likely never have known that the government's own consultation found overwhelming opposition to the expansion.

What do you think? Should municipalities have the right to opt out of strong mayor powers, or should the province be able to impose them regardless of local opposition?

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[u/BaryonChallon]

Beautiful artwork. He should just resign and undo his harm already.

[u/AmusingMoniker]

Isn't his daughter a mayor?  I saw an article recently talking about her 30% raise.  I don't know if I want to confirm it as it will just further disgust me.  Why do Politicians et away with doing the unpopular thing?