Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a quiet apology to Liberal Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Stephanie Smyth following a personal insult he directed at her during a debate in the provincial legislature last week. The incident occurred during question period on Thursday, where the government's omnibus budget bill was under discussion. This bill includes a provision that protects the records of the Premier, cabinet ministers, and their staff from freedom-of-information requests, raising accountability concerns.

During the debate, Smyth challenged Ford by questioning why a Premier who professes to value accountability would make it difficult for others to hold him accountable. In response, Ford made a derogatory remark, asserting that the only reason Smyth is in the legislature is that “CP24 didn’t want her anymore,” a reference to her previous career as a broadcast journalist before entering politics.

Ford continued his attack by stating, “She was just a promoter for Liberal agenda, NDP agenda when she was doing interviews. You think there could be anything else? That is the facts. That is the truth. It hurts, doesn’t it? It hurts when you aren’t wanted.” These personal insults prompted an immediate reaction from the opposition, with members shouting back at Ford. Speaker Donna Skelly intervened to caution the members against personal attacks but did not ask Ford to withdraw his statement.

At the end of the question period, Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser provided Ford another opportunity to apologize, reminding him that he knows the appropriate course of action. Ford, however, retorted, “If you’re willing to dish it out, you better be ready to take it,” indicating he would not back down easily.

Following the exchange, Smyth took to social media over the weekend to announce that Ford had reached out to apologize for his personal remarks, a gesture she accepted. In her statement, she emphasized the importance of professionalism in the legislature, stating, “What happens in that chamber reflects on all of us. When we walk through those doors, we owe it to our constituents, and to each other, to bring our best.”

Smyth expressed hope that this incident would serve as a moment for all members of the legislature to recommit to a higher standard of conduct, aiming to foster a more respectful and professional atmosphere in future proceedings.