Ontario Premier Doug Ford recounted a recent incident at a Home Depot where he confronted a suspected shoplifter during a speech at the Empire Club in Toronto. Ford expressed his concerns about the need for stronger bail regulations due to a perceived rise in criminal boldness.
Ford shared a personal anecdote from the summer when he decided to go to Home Depot without his security detail to purchase plants for his cottage in preparation for a visit from Prime Minister Mark Carney. While at the store, Ford noticed a man leaving with two backpacks, followed by security guards who suspected him of theft but did not intervene as per their instructions.
Taking matters into his own hands, Ford confronted the man, demanding to inspect his bag. When the man refused, Ford allegedly threatened physical force, prompting the man to comply. The suspected thief then revealed a saw blade that the store manager identified as stolen.
During the fireside chat, Ford recalled telling the man that he would face severe consequences if caught engaging in similar activities in the future. He emphasized the importance of taking decisive action in such situations to uphold law and order.