Doug Ford, we hardly knew ye.Mouthing platitudes on the campaign trail, the strategy worked: The old Ford dysfunction became a distant memory, right up to election day.Whereupon the premier declared, “A new day has dawned in Ontario.”Indeed it has. Now, the wake-up call.All those ambivalent voters who held their nose for Ford never truly forgot the malodorous modus operandi. They just assumed a strong cabinet, rejuvenated caucus, resilient legislature and robust civil service could rein him in.Not to mention an independent judiciary.Voters were infused with the faint hope clause. No one fathomed the notwithstanding clause.But this column isn’t going down that constitutional rabbit hole, where the fight over carrots and sticks is best left to lawyers and premiers. Suddenly, everyone is an expert on the notwithstanding clause — not least Ford, who now cites and recites constitutional clauses almost like an elitist.Read more: Charter of Rights architects — including Jean Chrétien — condemn Doug Ford’s use of notwithstanding clausePremier Doug Ford trying to save the legislation that will downsize Toronto councilExpert warns province’s use of notwithstanding clause to cut Toronto wards could result in ‘illegitimate city council’At this point, it’s almost beside the point. Ford has decided, his cabinet has colluded, has caucus has acquiesced, the opposition is outvoted.Going forward, there’s a bigger question: What has the premier done to our democratic norms?The Constitution is merely a piece of parchment. But our democracy is an unwritten code of conduct.To understand the risk to Ontario’s democratic institutions, mind the premier’s public musings. Never mind a columnist’s calumny or lawyers’ disputatiousness.Pay attention to Ford. Notwithstanding what the premier did with that contentious constitutional clause, it’s the why he did it that is so unforgiveable. ...
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