Progressive Conservative leadership hopeful Doug Ford was in Barrie on Friday to speak to party faithful, one day before the party’s new leader is expected to be announced.
Supporters and media crammed into Symposium Cafe, Restaurant and Lounge on Cundles Road East to listen to Ford speak about the party leadership race and the upcoming provincial election in June.
A Toronto judge is hearing a request to have the voting period for Ontario's PC leadership race extended.
A decision is expected around 5 p.m., Friday.
Lawyer Jeffrey Radnoff, who represents a disenfranchised member of the party, is asking for an injunction to prolong the race.
Issues have been raised surrounding online ballots. Voting was scheduled to end at noon Friday.
Radnoff says his client and other members who have not been able to vote just want to be part of the party's democratic process.
Ford said voting for the new PC leader has been a nightmare for party members, many of whom are seniors.
“Whoever came up with this, it’s absolutely dreadful for the people,” Ford said in Barrie. “We’re trying to get people engaged and this disenfranchises people, not being allowed to vote. It’s a sacred right in this country and it’s been taken away.”
Ford says he just wants a fair shake.
“I’d rather win or lose based on everyone voting than having 25 per cent of our membership vote,” he said.
Ford said the party has simply let its members down.
“If they aren’t competent enough to run a leadership race, how can these same people run an election? If I’m leader, all those people are being exited out the door because they’re incompetent,” he said.
Four candidates — former Tory legislator Christine Elliott, lawyer Caroline Mulroney, Ford and parental rights advocate Tanya Granic Allen — are vying for the reins of Ontario's Tories following the departure of ousted former leader and Barrie native Patrick Brown.
A winner is to be announced on Saturday.
Ford was also asked whether, if elected party leader, he would sign Brown’s nomination papers.
“Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it,” he said. “I know one thing: when he was leader, I worked my back off. I know another thing: when Christine Elliott was working for the opposition (in) a $220,000 job while I was working my back off for the party and working for Patrick, I’m disappointed that he decided to go with Christine.”
Ford, who plans to run in Etobicoke North, says he thinks the party doesn’t want him as leader.
“There’s definitely a concerted effort to stop me, because I’m going to clean out our party, and all the political insiders, the political establishment that’s been sitting there lining their pockets with the taxpayers’ money,” Ford said. “Those days are done.”
Waubaushene’s Gregg Stevens said he likes what Ford brings to the table as a potential party leader.
“I like his charisma,” he said. “We need somebody who’s a positive driver. There’s no mamby pamby about him. He’s a real guy, pushing hard.”
Stevens said he thinks Ford would be solid choice to take on the Liberals.
“We’re very pleased that he’s going to bring some reality back,” he said. “I don’t think (the Liberals) are in touch with everyday people.”
Barrie resident Ken Bennett said he appreciates how Ford’s message “comes from the heart” and that he doesn’t read from a script.
“To me, he’s the people’s choice,” Bennett said. “He’s going to bring a lot of people to the party, and on top of that, he’s going to bring (over) a lot of Liberals and NDPs.”
-- With files from Canadian Press
