Emotional Ford chokes back tears, apologizes for widely panned rules
‘We moved too quick,’ premier admits, pledges paid sick leave program
Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued an emotional apology on Thursday for introducing COVID-19 restrictions that sparked furious backlash as he confirmed his government would bring in a paid sick leave program for workers after months of refusing to do so.
Ford said he was sorry for increasing police enforcement powers and closing playgrounds last Friday — measures that were rolled back amid an onslaught of criticism — and said his government got it wrong.
“I will always try to do what’s right,” Ford said, choking back tears. “If we get something wrong, we’ll fix it.”
The premier acknowledged his government’s recent moves had angered many, but maintained he still had the authority to lead the province.
He also deflected criticism that the impact of the third wave could have been lessened with stronger policy responses, saying he could have done more with greater vaccine supply.
The government had announced last week’s restrictions amid soaring COVID-19 cases and an alarming rise in people in hospital and intensive care.
Critics were especially incensed at the government handing police the power to stop people at random to ask why they were out during the province’s stay-at-home order.
Ford said the measures had been brought in too fast in response to dire COVID-19 projections.
“We moved too quick; if I make a mistake, I correct it immediately,” Ford said. “I’m sorry and I apologize to each and everyone of you.”
The premier also confirmed that his government was working on a sick leave program to support workers, although he did not provide a timeline or any further specifics.
Critics slammed Ford for failing to make substantial commitments to immediately implement sick leave and noted he also didn’t move to follow other recommendations from experts like closing all non-essential workplaces.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said Ford’s inaction earlier in the pandemic set people up for the devastating third wave and he failed to make firm commitments Thursday to improve the situation.
“How much longer are Ontarians going to have to wait for their premier to do the right thing, base his decisions on public health and science, and save lives and stop the spread of this virus,” Horwath said.
The Liberal party also criticized Ford for his long resistance to a sick leave policy. Green party Leader Mike Schreiner said Ford’s apology fell short and that people don’t trust what the premier is telling them.
“The people of Ontario need more than an apology from their premier,” he said. “They need action that follows the science. That’s what’s driving the frustration and anger.”
Ford had steadfastly refused to implement sick leave program, pointing to an existing federal benefit, but his government indicated this week that it would finally change course.
His ministers have said a provincial policy would fill “gaps” in a federal benefit, including reducing wait times for funds, expanding eligibility and providing time off to get vaccinated.
Ontario reported 3,682 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and 806 people in intensive care. The province also reported 40 more deaths from the virus.