Ford rejects NDP’s ‘radical’ accusation

Premier Doug Ford is bristling at charges he is beholden to “radical extremists” opposed to the modern sex-education curriculum. Ford — who has scrapped the 239-page 2015 syllabus in favour of the 42-page 1998 version that does not mention same-sex relationships, gender or cyber safety — was on the hot seat Monday.

“School starts in just a few weeks and all we’ve seen from this Conservative government is chaos caused by the premier’s backroom deals,” said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

“Radical extremists like Charles McVety and Tanya Granic Allen want to prevent kids from learning about consent, cyberbullying, gender identity and LGBTQ families,” said Horwath, referring to prominent social conservative Ford supporters. “They want to drag Ontario back to 1998. I get that … But this premier is fulfilling their every wish.”

Ford, who won the March 10 Tory leadership with help from social conservatives, fired back at Horwath.

“I find it ironic that the leader of the opposition is calling us radical. That’s the pot calling the kettle black. You just have to turn around and see your radicals,” the premier thundered during the Legislature’s morning question period. “The leader of the opposition truly believes in the nanny state — that they know better than the parents. We believe in consulting with the parents.” How to donate: With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special needs children to camp. The experience gives these children much more than relief from summer heat — it gives them a break in life and memories to last a lifetime. Goal: $650,000. To date: $613,755

By cheque: Mail to The Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund, One Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M5E 1E6

By credit card: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Discover. Call 416-869-4847.

Online: For instant donations, use our secure form at thestar.com/freshairfund The Star does not authorize anyone to solicit on its behalf. Tax receipts will be issued in September.