Ontario’s new premier isn’t sure if he’ll go to Toronto Pride
Ontario’s new premier is undecided over whether he will attend Toronto’s annual Pride parade later this month – and has previously said it is an event where men run down the street “buck naked.”
Doug Ford was elected premier of Canada’s most populated province earlier today.
The former city councillor’s centre-right Progressive Conservatives (PC) took control of Ontario from the Liberal Party, which had held the province since 2003. He takes the over new role from outgoing premier and Liberal Party politician Kathleen Wynne.
But the businessman said last Friday that he was not sure if he would attend Pride Toronto on June 24 if he was elected as premier.
“When I get elected we’ll sit down and we’ll make that decision,” said Progressive Conservative leader at a campaign meeting in Sault Ste Marie, Not, reports HuffPost.
“My main focus is the economy, is making sure we create jobs and have this province thrive. I am zoned in on that.”
The politician has also made controversial comments about pride parades previously.
In 2014 on a YouTube show he bade with his late brother, ex-Toronto mayor Rob Ford, the new Ontario premier described Pride Toronto as an event where “middle-aged men with pot bellies” run around “buck naked.”
He said: “I think it’s good for tourism. But don’t try to put a gun to anyone’s head that disagrees with you. It doesn’t mean that they hate gays.”
His party received 41 percent of the vote – winning 76 of the 124 seats in Ontario – once 99 percent of the polls had reported, according to local media.
Ontario’s new premier has previously voiced support for Donald Trump, but has dismissed direct comparisons to the US president.
Canadian prime minister and Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau released a statement following Ford’s win, offering him his “sincere congratulations.”
“Ontarians have chosen to elect a majority government led by the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party,” said Justin Trudeau.
(JustinTrudeau/Twitter)
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my sincere congratulations to Doug Ford who will have the honour and privilege to serve as Premier.
“I look forward to working with the new provincial government to create good, middle class jobs, make Ontario a world-leading centre for innovative and sustainable technologies, and build infrastructure that meets the needs of Ontarians.
“Together, we will continue to work to grow Ontario’s economy and address issues of importance to Ontarians and all Canadians.
“I also thank [previous Ontario premier] Kathleen Wynne for her years of service as Premier.”
Trudeau also said on Twitter that “Ontarians have voted for change.”
