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Ontario Progressive Conservatives Secure Third Consecutive Majority Government
By Jonathan Fon
A week ago, on February 27, the Ontario Progressive Conservative (PC) Party emerged victorious in an early provincial election, securing a third consecutive majority government. Ontario voters have spoken, affirming their preference for conservative principles that emphasize common sense governance and societal well-being. For those who value traditional universal ideals, this victory is a cause for celebration—myself included.
As I stand among those offering congratulations, I am reminded of a passage from the renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. In his 1926 essay Not an Idle Talk, he describes a scene where an affluent family celebrates the birth of a child, guests offering lavish praise to the host. However, one lone voice remarks, “This child will eventually die,” and is promptly cast out. I am willing to be that lone voice today, speaking truth to power with my reflections and warnings for the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party.
A Historic Achievement
Few political parties in Ontario’s democratic history have achieved the feat of securing three consecutive majority governments. Looking at Canada’s political landscape, similar triumphs are rare. At the federal level, Brian Mulroney’s Progressive Conservatives won 211 out of 282 seats in the 1984 election, forming the second-largest majority government in Canadian history. They retained a majority in 1988, only to suffer a catastrophic collapse in 1993, securing a mere two seats.
In that same 1993 election, the Liberal Party, led by Jean Chrétien, seized power. Chrétien led three consecutive majority governments in 1993, 1997, and 2000, a feat only previously accomplished by Sir Wilfrid Laurier. However, after Chrétien handed over leadership to Paul Martin in 2003, the Liberals were defeated by a newly unified Conservative Party in 2006. The federal Liberals then struggled for nearly a decade before regaining power.
Ontario has also witnessed its share of political shifts. From 2003 to 2013, the Ontario Liberal Party, under Dalton McGuinty, won two consecutive majority governments. His successor, Kathleen Wynne, continued as premier but faced defeat in 2018 when Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives secured a majority. Since then, the Ontario Liberal Party has struggled to regain relevance, failing to even secure official party status in the legislature.
History, like a flowing river, moves through cycles of prosperity and decline. Today’s governments must recognize that history is watching. Tomorrow’s historians will scrutinize today’s decisions. The question for the Ontario PC Party is this: How will your governance be judged in the future?
A Cautionary Note for the Ontario PC Party
Long-term rule often leads to arrogance and complacency, creating opportunities for corruption and mismanagement. Many parties that have governed for extended periods have ultimately fallen due to these very issues. The Ontario PC Party must be wary of repeating history’s mistakes.
A Message for Premier Doug Ford
Doug Ford’s political ascent was not without turbulence. In 2018, he narrowly won the Ontario PC leadership after a tense third-round vote against Christine Elliott. His rise came after the abrupt resignation of former leader Patrick Brown, who was forced out amid allegations that later proved controversial and unverified.
Ford’s early political career was deeply tied to his late brother, former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. While initially perceived as riding on his brother’s legacy, Doug Ford has since carved his own path, securing three majority governments and cementing his name in Ontario’s political history.
However, governing for an extended period comes with challenges. Recently, controversies surrounding Ford’s administration, particularly the Greenbelt Scandal, have raised concerns about integrity and transparency. The controversial land development decisions forced Housing Minister Steve Clark to resign, and the scandal remains a dark mark on the Ford government’s record.
Additionally, reports surrounding Ford’s daughter’s wedding—where guests allegedly provided gifts amounting to thousands of dollars—triggered an ethics investigation. Though no formal wrongdoing was found, the incident has drawn criticism and speculation.
Premier Ford, consider this: stepping down while at the peak of success could be a dignified exit, much like George Washington’s voluntary retirement from public life. Perhaps it is time to plan your departure strategically, ensuring your legacy remains untarnished.
A Reflection on Vincent Ke
Vincent Ke, first elected in 2018 as the Ontario PC MPP for Don Valley North, faced scrutiny due to alleged close ties with foreign diplomatic entities. As concerns over foreign influence grew, the Ontario PC Party distanced itself from Ke, removing him from the caucus and relegating him to an independent MPP position.
Ke insisted on his innocence, but his decision to run as an independent in the 2024 provincial election significantly impacted the party’s prospects. Despite discussions between Ke and Ontario PC candidate Sue Liu, no agreement was reached. The split in the conservative vote allowed the Liberal candidate to win the seat, which could have otherwise remained with the Ontario PC Party.
Ke’s independent bid ultimately proved futile. His vote share was a mere 9.83%, while Liu secured 37.56%. Had the two worked together, their combined total of 47.39% would have surpassed the Liberal candidate’s 43.77%.
For Ke, this failed gamble signals the end of his political career. His actions not only jeopardized his future in politics but also impacted the broader provincial electoral outcome. Was this miscalculation a result of poor advice, or was it an intentional act? Whatever the case, Ke must now reflect deeply on his next steps.
Final Thoughts
The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party’s historic victory is a significant achievement. However, history teaches us that prolonged rule comes with risks. The party must remain vigilant against the pitfalls of complacency and arrogance. Doug Ford, as its leader, should carefully consider his political future to preserve his legacy. And for individuals like Vincent Ke, political missteps can have lasting consequences.
The future remains unwritten, but the choices made today will shape how history remembers Ontario’s current leadership. Let them choose wisely.
