WHAT HAPPENED

Doug Ford’s government is fast-tracking a bill that would give his cabinet sweeping power over who gets appointed as a judge in Ontario — while cancelling public debate and skipping committee hearings.

This is the same Premier who said he only wanted “like-minded people” on the bench and joked about payouts to “bleeding-heart” judges. Now, he’s making it law.

WHY IT MATTERS

In Canada, judges are supposed to be independent. They don’t run for office. They don’t answer to politicians. Their job is to apply the law fairly — no matter who’s in charge.

Ford’s attempt to turn the courts into political tools is a direct threat to that independence — and to the foundation of our democracy.

Legal experts are sounding the alarm.

“We would expect to see this behaviour from MAGA Republicans, not the Premier of Ontario.” — Douglas Judson, Chair, Federation of Ontario Law Associations

NOW WHAT?

At a time when our democracy and sovereignty are already under threat, this is a line we cannot allow any government to cross.

“Canada will never be the 51st state” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a statement of who we are. Now’s the time to defend it.

Add your name now to take action.