Thomas to Conservative MPPs: Are you for the people, or are you for the 'Friends of Ford'?
TORONTO, March 19, 2019 /CNW/ - In the wake of allegations that Doug Ford and his senior advisors are profiting from potentially "illegal" lobbying, OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is calling on Conservative MPPs to take a principled stand on behalf of their constituents.
"I know there are a lot of honest, decent MPPs in the Conservative caucus. And it's time for them to answer a simple question: which side are you on?" asked Thomas. "Are you on the side of the people of Ontario, or are you on the side of the Friends of Ford?
"If you're on the side of the people, you have a responsibility to tell Ford that you're out of the Conservative caucus until he steps aside and allows an independent police investigation," said Thomas. "If you're on the side of the Friends of Ford, good luck in the next election ? voters won't forget your betrayal."
Less than a year after being elected, the Ford government has already amassed a mountain of broken promises.
"When he was interim Conservative leader, Vic Fedeli pledged to 'root out the rot' in the party, but we now know that this government is more rotten than any in Ontario's history," said Thomas.
OPSEU First Vice-President / Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida says Ontarians are quickly losing trust.
"Ford talks out both sides of his mouth," said Almeida. "You can't believe a word he says about anything."
Thomas said that while the Premier and his cronies slash services and frontline workers that people depend on, they're stuffing the pockets of their friends and donors.
"It started with his flip flop on cannabis sales, breaking his promise to keep it public," said Thomas. "That move made Tory insiders richer than ever.
"And now he's filling every government and agency board he can find with unqualified donors and party hacks," said Thomas. "Rubbing salt into our wounds, he's even giving them all big raises.
"I know from private conversations that this blatant corruption is turning the stomachs of many Conservative MPPs. It's time for them to stand up for themselves, their constituents, and their values.
"If enough Tories stand up for their principles Ford might end up with a minority in the legislature and then maybe we'll get some accountability."
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
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