What to know
- The Ontario PCs are bringing Ford Fest to Thompson Memorial Park in Scarborough on Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- The Scarborough Environmental Association plans to protest during the event, citing concerns over healthcare, education and environmental policies.
- Organizers say the demonstration is not directed at Ford Fest itself but at decisions made by the Ford government.
- The event comes ahead of the upcoming Scarborough Southwest byelection, which must be called by Aug. 5.
The Ontario PCs are bringing their annual Ford Fest event to Scarborough on Friday evening, but a group of local residents plans to picket the gathering over what they describe as years of neglect and cuts to essential public services.
The PCs will host Ford Fest at Thompson Memorial Park in Scarborough on Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The event will feature food, music, entertainment, and rides for party members, supporters, and members of the public.
However, the Scarborough Environmental Association says it will be attending the event not as supporters, but as protesters.
Why are residents planning to protest?
The organization has spent the past month planning a demonstration during Ford Fest, citing years of cuts to health care and education, as well as what it calls environmental neglect by the provincial government.
In social media posts published Thursday, the group also pointed to recent controversies, including changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), the proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and amendments affecting Freedom of Information requests.
Fizza Khalid, a prominent Scarborough-based community organizer and environmental activist, told Now Toronto earlier this month that many members of the organization have been directly affected by decisions made by the Ford government.
Khalid emphasized that the group is not protesting the event itself and acknowledged that Ford Fest provides an opportunity for voters to engage with policymakers. However, she said the demonstration is aimed at drawing attention to government policies, particularly those introduced in recent months.
The association says it plans to protest throughout the duration of the event.
Ford Fest Comes Ahead of Scarborough Southwest Byelection
The event comes as the province prepares for a byelection in Scarborough Southwest, which must be called by Aug. 5. The vote is being held following the resignation of former NDP MPP Doly Begum.
The Ontario PCs have yet to nominate a candidate for the race. However, both the Ontario Liberals and the NDP have already selected their candidates.
The NDP has nominated Fatima Shaban, while the Ontario Liberals have chosen Ahsanul Hafiz as their candidate.
Why Scarborough matters politically
Scarborough has become increasingly important to all major provincial parties, particularly in Toronto-area races where small shifts in voter support can decide seats.
With a byelection approaching and the governing PCs looking to strengthen support in the region, Ford Fest’s move east is likely to draw additional political attention beyond the annual summer gathering itself.
