By Gazette Staff
January 30th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.
Premier Ford’s Progressive Conservatives confirmed this week that no media will be permitted to attend any portion of the party’s three-day convention at the Toronto Congress Centre, an unusual decision that is already drawing criticism from political observers.
There is something pugnacious about Doug Ford.
Premier Ford has a number of reasons for not wanting any media at his event.
He is still able to get away with practices like this. The public has yet to arrive at a clear understanding as to what Doug Ford has done during his several terms of office.
The Greenbelt scandal – when the public became aware of it the Premier said he made a mistake.
Using private personal cell phones to conduct government business.
The Skill Development fund scandal.
The Highway 413 decision
Failed to come anywhere near close in meeting the number of new homes needed.
Failing to support public health care while pushing for private medicine to meet the demand.
The public is still in a Ford Nation mode.
There will come a time when the public clues in.
There will come a time when the public clues in – then the slide will be downhill and quick.
The report the public expects from the RCMP investigation would help the public see the man in a different light.
No word on the Mounties on when the report will be made public.
Soon soon maybe?
He is still very popular with voters in spite the NDP efforts.He usually admits to errors and moves on.
These are some of the positive attributes that the Ford Government has accomplished during his time in office
Economic and Business Focus
Policies aimed at making Ontario “open for business”
Early in his tenure his government passed laws intended to reduce regulatory burdens and encourage investment, such as the Making Ontario Open for Business Act and the Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act and Reducing Red Tape for businesses.
The Ontario government reported job growth and efforts to create opportunities for employment as part of its economic agenda.
Healthcare-Related Programs
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Introduced under Ford’s leadership, this program provides publicly funded dental care for low-income seniors.
Centralizing parts of the healthcare system
His government established the Ontario Health agency in 2019 with the aim of streamlining services and reducing duplication, with projected savings.
Affordability and Cost-of-Living Measures
Cost-of-living relief initiatives
Recent budgets included nearly $12 billion in cost-of-living relief for households, which supporters argue helped people afford essentials amid inflation.
Infrastructure and Services
Infrastructure investment plans
Provincial planning documents outline major infrastructure spending for highways, transit, housing, and health facilities aimed at long-term growth and job creation in the construction industry.
Expanded transit and commuter services
His government increased some GO Transit services, provided free rides for kids, and announced large investments in subway projects — intended to improve commuting options.
Support During Trade Tensions
Support for businesses affected by tariffs
Ontario rolled out billions in support for workers and companies affected by U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, including deferred taxes and rebates aimed at preserving jobs.
He has been a true friend to agriculture. He has had meetings with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario to show support for supply management that protects dairy farmers livelihoods. Ford supports agriculture through the Grow Ontario Strategy. Has recently put up 20 million in funding to help local farmers and agribusinesses sell more Ontario grown products. He also is a supporter of Rural Infrastructure investments for our rural communities. Remember even though we are forgotten more than half of Burlington’s land mass is Rural.
With A NEWS Article like this can you blame the Premier for not allowing media to cover the Convention ! Not once have I heard a favorable article from your staff mentioning the positive aspects that he has accomplished or the obstacles that he faces. And since he won the election with a majority there must be others that agree. This is not an article of NEWS it is an article of political bias and partisan in tone. Therefore it falls under the category of OPINION.
Editors note. We have invited the author of the comment to submit a comment on “positive aspects that he has accomplished or the obstacles that he faces.”