Ontario Premier Doug Ford faced immediate backlash after telling a protester to “find a job” during a heated legislative session as Bill 60 passed. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions at Queen’s Park, where the bill, which aims to increase housing supply by streamlining development processes and allowing for more expedited evictions of delinquent tenants, was being debated. The protester, who had been taunting a security guard attempting to remove him from the chamber, was confronted by Ford, who reportedly told him, “Go find a job, buddy.” The remark, while seemingly dismissive, reflects broader concerns about the intersection of housing policy and public dissent, as critics argue that the bill could disproportionately affect vulnerable tenants.
Bill 6, which was passed with overwhelming support, includes provisions to reduce regulatory burdens on developers and permit immediate eviction notices for tenants who fail to meet their financial obligations. Supporters of the measure argue that it is a necessary step toward addressing Ontario’s growing housing crisis, which has left many residents trapped in unaffordable rent and overcrowded conditions. However, opponents contend that the bill overlooks the human impact on tenants and risks exacerbating existing inequalities by pushing vulnerable individuals into homelessness. Ford, who has long positioned himself as a pro-business leader, has defended the legislation as a pragmatic response to a pressing issue, emphasizing the need to prioritize economic development over ideological considerations.