Ford and Trump parallels

The world is still in the throes of accepting Trumpdom as the new standard for lack-of-credibility when, lo and behold, we have our own Ford Nation in Ontario rearing its swollen head. 

“Only in the U.S.” you say? Nope. Sorry. Also in Canada.

So many parallels between these two men – narcissism, denial of man-made climate change, rule by the seat of  the pants, are just a few. But what frightening qualities! 

As Canadians accustomed to the vagaries of a First-Past-the-Post electoral system, we can still feel appalled at a system which has produced another provincial government with only 40 per cent of the popular vote, but an overwhelming handle on power. 

With a degree of hubris that most newly elected would moderate in a time of sober, second thought, Ford hasn’t bothered. Yup, he has just announced that he will be cancelling the cap and trade system agreement with Quebec and California regardless of the spinoffs of such a move. 

In fact he doesn’t seem to be aware spinoffs exist.

Unfortunately, his decision for Ontario can and will have huge ramifications for the rest of the country as well.  And all because FPTP put a man in the premier’s chair that lacks credibility, lacks foresight, and more.

Such a result would never happen under a Proportional Representation government. Built into that system is a consensus format of decision-making, taking many views into consideration and choosing the best for the citizenry.

Vote for Proportional Representation this fall in B.C.’s referendum on electoral reform.

Ian MacKenzie, Kamloops