Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives will convene privately at a policy convention this weekend, with some members questioning the party’s trajectory after almost eight years in government. The gathering in Toronto will focus on overarching themes that contributed to Premier Doug Ford’s recent third consecutive majority win. However, a faction within the provincial conservative ranks is advocating for a critical assessment of the party’s direction during the event.
Project Ontario, a group formed last year, seeks to initiate policy dialogues that it believes the party has shied away from. Comprising 11 strategists and writers with backgrounds in federal and provincial governance, the group includes figures like conservative activist Ginny Roth, writer Adam Zivo, and public policy analyst Brian Dijkema. Emphasizing the importance of an ideological foundation behind political power, the group endorses conventional conservative stances such as tax reduction, government spending cuts, and increased educational choice in Ontario.
Matt Spoke, one of the group’s founding members, highlighted the necessity for a clear vision and principles to guide governance. He expressed concerns about the perceived lack of clarity in principles and vision within the current leadership. Project Ontario has been vocal in its critiques of the government’s approach to various issues including the economy, education, housing, and childcare. Despite facing pushback from Ford and his supporters, the group maintains that its proposals are not extreme and draw inspiration from practices in other Canadian provinces, some of which are not governed by Conservatives.
While convention delegates are assured the opportunity to raise questions and present ideas, there are reservations about whether genuine policy debates will occur. Spoke has observed a tendency towards scripted responses rather than substantive discussions at past Ontario PC events. On the other hand, conservative strategist Sam Duncan believes that while policy debates at conventions might not always translate directly into government action, they provide valuable insight into grassroots sentiments that can influence policy-making.
As the convention approaches, there are speculations about Ford’s future political plans. While some suggest a potential bid for a fourth term, others point out the challenges and pitfalls that extended periods in power can bring. The ongoing political landscape, including external factors like the influence of figures such as Donald Trump, adds complexity to the party’s strategic decisions. Overall, the convention is anticipated to serve as a platform for Ford to showcase his achievements, energize his support base, and set the tone for future political battles.