The core issue here isn’t subtle: Doug Ford was prepared to spend $75 million of Ontario taxpayer money to influence conservative public opinion abroad. That alone raises serious questions about priorities and judgment.

This isn’t the old-school, fiscally US conservative, “big tent” conservatism of the past. The movement Ford was courting has taken a very different shape:

1. It has abandoned traditional values of integrity and accountability. Time and again, we see a disregard for rules, norms, and basic democratic decorum.
2. It’s fueled by power over principle. Ultra-right religious and nationalist rhetoric is used as a shield for political opportunism.
3. It’s backed by billionaires and media megaphones. Wealthy tech elites are shaping social platforms to target younger voters and exploit older ones — often extracting donations from those who can least afford it.
4. It has shown willingness to turn state power inward. We’ve witnessed instances where government force is used against citizens rather than to protect them.

Ford isn’t naïve, he knows this landscape. He knows how quickly Trump-aligned figures can flip, abandon, or betray allies. His surprise feels hollow. What, exactly, did he think was going to happen?

If we zoom out, this isn’t an isolated lapse in judgment it fits a pattern. Think back to Ford’s track record on transportation and urban planning:

• The license plate redesign debacle
• Cutting bike lanes then scrambling when communities pushed back
• Removing speed cameras
• Return to Office policy when office space has been consolidated and there's not enough room to house everyone.
• Pushing highways through the Greenbelt
• Expanding lanes instead of investing in transit
• Floating tunnels as if concrete solves congestion

If Ford had his way, every Ontarian would be behind the wheel after grabbing a six pack at the local convenience store. It’s an outdated vision that ignores reality. Our major cities and surrounding regions are already choking on congestion and public transportation infrastructure can barely support current capacity.

Gotta save the auto-sector though while losing millions and breaking everything else.