Protesters drown out Ford at Scarborough campaign event
OPSEU workers in purple shirts disrupted Ford Fest on Friday, chanting over the premier's speech as he defended provincial spending cuts.
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Doug Ford's annual Ford Fest in Scarborough was disrupted Friday by multiple protest groups, including striking Ontario Public Service Employees Union workers, members of the Scarborough Environmental Association, and supporters of Grassy Narrows First Nation.
The event drew more than 850 OPSEU workers, according to the union. Protesters chanted "fair wages" and booed as Ford attempted to speak, effectively drowning out portions of his address. Videos posted to social media show the crowd noise overwhelming the stage.
OPSEU said workers have been "dodged" by Ford and his MPPs for a month and denied meetings. "When Ford looked out from his stage, he was met by a sea of striking workers in purple shirts, impossible to ignore, refusing to back down from the fight for the future of the services our communities rely on," the union said in a statement.
Despite the disruption, Ford completed his remarks. Staff attributed his quick exit after the speech to safety concerns.
The event came ahead of a provincial byelection in Scarborough Southwest, which must be called by August 5. The Ontario NDP has nominated Fatima Shaban as its candidate, while the Ontario Liberals have selected Ahsanul Hafiz. The Progressive Conservatives have not yet announced their candidate.
Ford later took to social media to characterize the event as a success, posting: "Ford Fest in Scarborough was an incredible evening spent with friends, families and supporters from across Ontario!"