Doug Ford breaks own gathering rules; police refuse to charge

Individuals who are in violation of the Reopening Ontario Act can potentially face a total maximum penalty for an individual is $100,000 and up to one year in jail. It seems, however, rules concerning restrictions that prohibit Ontarians from engaging in social gatherings indoors (or outdoor with more than 10 people) does not apply to the incumbent government.

Ford was photographed at one such campaign event well in excess of the people allowed per gathering.

Jeffrey Smith, a litigation paralegal based in Ontario, contacted TBT with a transcript of his report to Durham police, asking why enforcement action was not taken against Doug Ford, citing equality under the law in Section 15 of the Charter. The paralegal noted that others in the Region of Durham were charged for hosting similar gatherings, but unlike Ford, were not so lucky as to avoid fines.

Police did not respond to the initial email, only responding to a subsequent one when the aforementioned contact warned that he would file a complaint to the OIPRD and the Solicitor General’s office.

After being directed to the police’s chief council, allegations that Durham police were “inappropriately applying the rules and regulations as set out in either the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act or the Reopening Ontario Act” were categorically denied. A request to ask whether Doug Ford or anyone at his gatherings had faced charges was also subsequently refused by police.

There has been no official statement as to why DRPS turned a blind eye to otherwise illegal activity concerning gatherings for the Premier, but does not show such leniency with respect to private citizens.