Ford’s denouncement too tame, critics say
‘Flabbergasted’ anti-hate group advocate takes aim at premier’s comments
Premier Doug Ford told the legislature he condemns hate speech, be it from Toronto mayoral candidate and white nationalist Faith Goldy or anyone else. But critics say his remarks do not go far enough.
After a coalition of anti-hate groups spoke at Queen’s Park earlier in the day, urging the premier to distance himself from Goldy by speaking out in the legislature, and not just via Twitter as he did Wednesday afternoon, Ford, for the first time, uttered the controversial candidate’s name during question period.
“I’ve been clear, over and over and over again, every single day,” he said in response to a question from NDP Leader Andrea Horwath in the house.
“I condemn hate speech, antiSemitism and racism of all forms, be it from Faith Goldy, be it from anyone,” he said.
Ford answered a second question on the issue from Liberal Leader John Fraser by also referring to the NDP, the debate growing heated at times as a rattled Ford yelled “cop haters” and “veteran haters” at the opposition.
When asked if Ford has requested Goldy cease using his name in the robocalls, a spokesperson said that “Premier Ford has been clear: he condemns hate speech, anti-Semitism and racism in all forms, be it from Faith Goldy or anyone else.
“The premier will not be involving himself in the Toronto mayoral race.”
For days, Ford resisted calls for days from the opposition and anti-hate groups to distance himself from Goldy, until his tweet.
After his comments in the house Thursday, Bernie Farber of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, said Ford needs to do more. “I was flabbergasted,” said Farber.