Ford’s move to limit third-party advertising by invoking Constitution’s notwithstanding clause not surprising, but could backfire

But Doug Ford’s move in cutting off the possibility of advertising that could depict him negatively will have an impact in the fight ahead. It may also have a rebound effect federally and not in the way Ford intended.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured in Ottawa on Nov. 21, 2019. The biggest third-party spenders in federal politics have been supporters of the Conservatives who load up on advertising to fight the Liberals. If Ford’s plan works, the federal Liberals might be encouraged to replicate it. In that instance, the national Tories will lose out. For now, all eyes are on Ontario, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY SHEILA COPPS

June 14, 2021

OTTAWA—Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s decision to limit third-party political advertising by invoking the Constitution’s notwithstanding clause is not surprising. The Ontario legislature was recalled last week, less than a week after it rose for the summer, for a vote to overturn a court decisio...

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