Doug Ford is poised to win another election in Ontario, despite his sad track record of broken promises, misleading justifications, and truly questionable governance. For me, this raises an uncomfortable question: Are Ontarians falling into the same trap as MAGA voters in the U.S.? While Ford is not as extreme or bombastic as Donald Trump, their governing styles—and the loyalty of their voters—share remarkable similarities.
Manufacturing Crises to Justify Power Grabs
Trump profited from his manufactured crises, using them to consolidate power and create a sense of urgency. Whether it was the border wall, election fraud lies, or trade wars, he presented himself as the only person capable of solving the problems he largely exaggerated or created.
Trump rose to power with the unwavering support of the Christian Nationalists who supported him despite his corruption, lies, moral failings and visible lack of religious conviction in exchange for the power he offered them: conservative judges, religious exemptions, and a rollback of progressive gains. They accepted his many faults and authoritarian goals, believing that the ends justified the means.
Are we doing the same in Ontario? Are we about to elect a corrupt government in exchange for the dubious protections of “Captain Canada”? Even if we believe that Doug Ford has any real power in this situation, should we vote Ford in for a third time, believing that the ends justify the means?
Doug Ford has seemingly wanted an election sooner rather than later to avoid the political fallout of a Pierre Poilievre federal victory. With Trump’s tariffs conveniently looming, he called for a snap election when it was pretty clear that Ontario could do nothing to stop them. Trade is a federal issue largely beyond his control, and yet Ford framed himself as a necessary leader to “fight” for Ontario. Much like Trump’s voters who believed the border wall would solve America’s problems, Ford’s supporters are buying into the illusion that he can prevent economic downturns caused by U.S. policy.
Loyalty Despite Lies and Corruption
Trump’s base has remained myopically steadfast, in the face of blatant corruption, lies, and abuse of power. MAGA supporters don’t necessarily believe he’s an honest leader, but they see him as their champion against woke liberal elites.
Ford’s government has faced multiple ethics scandals, broken promises, and cuts to essential services, yet too many Ontarians remain willing to look the other way. He campaigned on the promise of “efficiency” without cuts, only to gut public health and education, but his supporters still justify it under the guise of “fiscal responsibility.” The pattern is disturbingly clear: as long as he fights their perceived enemies (unions, progressives, urban elites), they will stand by him.
Populism and the “Man of the People” Illusion
A billionaire real estate mogul, Trump positioned himself as the champion of working-class Americans, railing against elites while cutting taxes for the rich. His supporters ignored the contradictions because they saw him as fighting their cultural, ideological and economic battles.
With an estimated net worth of around $50 million and being one of Canada’s wealthiest politicians, Ford uses the same populist playbook. He presents himself as a “man of the people”, railing against unions, environmental regulations, and government intervention, while his policies largely benefit developers and corporate interests. Despite the fact that his cuts harm working Ontarians, his voters continue to see him as the antidote to “downtown elites” and, now, the antidote to Trump tariffs!
Voting Out of Spite, Not Support
Many Trump voters don’t actually love Trump, but they hate Democrats and the progressive left more. The same mentality applies to Ford’s voter base. Many Ontarians aren’t passionate about Ford’s leadership, but they distrust the NDP and Liberals more.
This kind of negative voting leads to a dangerous political cycle: instead of electing leaders based on their competence or honesty, voters choose the lesser evil—or, more accurately, the leader who will hurt the people they dislike the most. Ford’s re-election campaign isn’t built on his record of success but on fear-mongering about left-wing policies. In the same way Trump warned his voters about “radical socialism”, Ford warns about high taxes, reckless spending, and liberal overreach.
Short-Term Self-Interest Over Long-Term Consequences
Trump supporters prioritize short-term personal gain—whether it’s a tax cut, deregulation, or keeping immigrants out—while ignoring the long-term damage of his presidency is starting to unfold: erosion of democracy, economic instability, and international isolation.
Ford voters, likewise, may appreciate lower gas prices, cuts to environmental protections, and tax breaks, but they ignore underfunded hospitals, skyrocketing housing prices, and crumbling public services. By the time the consequences are fully felt, Ford will have already moved on, leaving another government to fix the mess.
Are Ontario Voters Becoming MAGA Lite?
Ontario isn’t as politically extreme as the U.S., but the underlying psychology of Ford’s supporters mirrors that of Trump’s base: they are voting against the left rather than for Ford. They are excusing or ignoring corruption and lies. They choose to believe simplistic slogans over complex realities. They continue to support a leader who benefits elites while claiming to be “one of them”. They prioritize self-interest over long-term consequences.
Ford may not have the same cult-like following as Trump, but the patterns of right-wing populism are alive and well in Ontario. If voters continue choosing leaders like Ford based on anger, misinformation, and short-term thinking, the province will suffer the same fate as the U.S.—deep political polarization, worsening inequality, and a declining public sector.
Ontarians should ask themselves this: Are you voting for real leadership or just for short-term gains? Because if it’s the latter, we are sacrificing our future for temporary convenience. We are the Ontario Maga.