TALKING BUSINESS
Premier Doug Ford discusses job creation and economic development Tuesday during a roundtable discussion at the Windsor-essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Protests awaited Ontario Premier Doug Ford at multiple spots in Windsor and Essex County Tuesday during his day spent discussing economic development with local community leaders.
Chants of “no ifs, no buts, no educational cuts” and “hey hey, ho ho, Doug Ford has got to go” came from a vocal group of about 70 demonstrators outside the Fort Fun Centre in Amherstburg, where Ford held a private PC event that evening.
His visit came on the same day local Catholic school teachers participated in a one-day provincewide walkout in opposition to changes to education put forth by Ford’s government, which include mandatory e-learning and increased class sizes.
The protesters dispersed by 6:20 p.m. after berating and knocking on a large black vehicle with tinted windows — believed to be carrying the premier — that had arrived at the former Verdi Club. Nearly half an hour later, when only the Star remained outside the building, two Windsor police cruisers escorted a second large black vehicle into the venue’s parking lot unimpeded.
Earlier in the afternoon, Ford met with more than a dozen community leaders — including Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and Essex County Warden Gary Mcnamara — at the Windsor-essex Regional Chamber of Commerce to discuss economic development and job creation in the region. Ford did not take questions from the media, but addressed the room before news personnel were asked to leave for a closed-door meeting.
Ford said his government has created 296,000 jobs since it took office — his No. 1 accomplishment, he said. “If we don’t start picking ourselves up and start driving this province like a business, operating like a business, they will eat our lunch. But the tables are turning now.”
Ford also bolstered his government’s efforts to cut red tape and regulations for businesses.
He asked for support from those around the table. Catholic school demonstrators also gathered outside the Ford Windsor Engine plant during the premier’s expected tour there. Inside, it was Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade, who was on a tour. He announced a $2-million funding boost for the region’s automotive and manufacturing sector.