Waler: Elections matter — and Doug Ford keeps winning them

Doug Ford has won three consecutive majority governments in Ontario. That’s not just a political accomplishment — it’s a clear signal from voters that they support his brand of pragmatic, results-driven conservatism. When millions of Ontarians endorse a leader at the ballot box time and again, it should carry weight. But Project Ontario, a small advocacy group of discontented conservatives, seems to have missed the memo.

This group insists that Ford isn’t “conservative enough.” Their main grievance? That he spends too much money and strays from what they consider traditional conservative values. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that their argument is less about good governance and more about ideological gatekeeping.

Let’s deal with the spending claim head-on. Project Ontario calls Ford’s infrastructure investments “excessive.” In reality, these are necessary, overdue, and carefully considered decisions — investments in hospitals, long-term care, highways, and transit. These projects don’t just carry price tags — they carry economic value, job creation, and real-world benefits for families and businesses across Ontario. This isn’t wasteful spending. It’s building for the future.

Conservatism has never meant never spending. It’s about responsible stewardship — making sure public dollars are used wisely to improve people’s lives. That’s exactly what Ford is doing. His government is investing where it counts: healthcare, transportation, and education, all while maintaining Ontario’s competitiveness and economic momentum.

It’s also worth pointing out that Project Ontario is clinging to a rigid, outdated idea of conservatism. They act as if there’s only one “true” version of the ideology — one that rejects nearly all forms of public investment. But that’s not how real leadership works. Good conservatives know that strategic investments, made at the right time and in the right way, are essential for long-term prosperity.

Look at the real-life impacts: new transit lines reduce gridlock and make commuting more efficient. More long-term care beds ease pressure on hospitals and give seniors better care. Upgraded roads and bridges support trade, tourism, and local economies. These are not luxuries — they are foundational to a modern, growing province. And Ford’s government has been delivering them with timelines, transparency, and clear objectives.

It’s also telling that Project Ontario spends a lot of time criticizing, but offers little in the way of practical alternatives. They’ve published op-eds and tweeted grievances, but haven’t put forward a plan that recognizes the needs of a province with a growing population, aging infrastructure, and a fast-changing global economy. It’s easy to point fingers. It’s much harder to govern — and govern well.

Doug Ford’s success at the polls shows that Ontarians see the difference. They’ve backed a version of conservatism that’s modern, realistic, and focused on getting things done. Ford’s leadership reflects a conservative ethos that adapts to current challenges while staying rooted in fiscal discipline and personal responsibility. That’s how conservatism stays relevant.

What’s most unhelpful about Project Ontario is how divisive their approach is. By drawing hard lines and accusing others of being insufficiently conservative, they fracture the movement instead of strengthening it. Ontario needs a united, forward-looking conservative voice — not purity tests and political score-settling. Voters don’t care about internal ideological squabbles. They care about results.

This province is dealing with big issues: rising housing demand, stressed healthcare systems, aging infrastructure, and the need to stay competitive globally. The Ford government is responding with big solutions. And that’s what people expect from their elected leaders. You can’t build new hospitals, fix highways, or modernize public transit with slogans. You do it with planning, investment, and follow-through.

Meanwhile, Project Ontario keeps trying to shrink the definition of conservatism into something rigid and unworkable, and frankly unelectable. But conservatism has always evolved. It’s about principles, not dogma. And it certainly isn’t about tearing down those who have been repeatedly chosen by voters to lead.

At the end of the day, if you believe a different direction is needed, you have to earn that argument with the public. That means showing up with better ideas, not just louder complaints. Doug Ford has done that — three times. And he continues to focus on what matters most to Ontarians: a strong economy, real investments in public services, and responsible leadership.

Project Ontario might dominate a few headlines, but they aren’t offering real answers. Ontario deserves better than ideological posturing. It deserves leadership that listens, adapts, and builds. That’s what Doug Ford is delivering — and that’s what voters continue to endorse.

Laryssa Waler is the founder and CEO of Henley Strategies. She previously served as Premier Doug Ford’s executive director of communications.

Doug Ford has won three consecutive majority governments in Ontario. That’s not just a political accomplishment — it’s a clear signal from voters that they support his brand of pragmatic, results-driven conservatism. When millions of Ontarians endorse a leader at the ballot box time and again, it should carry weight. But Project Ontario, a small advocacy group of discontented conservatives, seems to have missed the memo.

This group insists that Ford isn’t “conservative enough.” Their main grievance? That he spends too much money and strays from what they consider traditional conservative values. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that their argument is less about good governance and more about ideological gatekeeping.

Let’s deal with the spending claim head-on. Project Ontario calls Ford’s infrastructure investments “excessive.” In reality, these are necessary, overdue, and carefully considered decisions — investments in hospitals, long-term care, highways, and transit. These projects don’t just carry price tags — they carry economic value, job creation, and real-world benefits for families and businesses across Ontario. This isn’t wasteful spending. It’s building for the future.

Conservatism has never meant never spending. It’s about responsible stewardship — making sure public dollars are used wisely to improve people’s lives. That’s exactly what Ford is doing. His government is investing where it counts: healthcare, transportation, and education, all while maintaining Ontario’s competitiveness and economic momentum.

It’s also worth pointing out that Project Ontario is clinging to a rigid, outdated idea of conservatism. They act as if there’s only one “true” version of the ideology — one that rejects nearly all forms of public investment. But that’s not how real leadership works. Good conservatives know that strategic investments, made at the right time and in the right way, are essential for long-term prosperity.

Look at the real-life impacts: new transit lines reduce gridlock and make commuting more efficient. More long-term care beds ease pressure on hospitals and give seniors better care. Upgraded roads and bridges support trade, tourism, and local economies. These are not luxuries — they are foundational to a modern, growing province. And Ford’s government has been delivering them with timelines, transparency, and clear objectives.

It’s also telling that Project Ontario spends a lot of time criticizing, but offers little in the way of practical alternatives. They’ve published op-eds and tweeted grievances, but haven’t put forward a plan that recognizes the needs of a province with a growing population, aging infrastructure, and a fast-changing global economy. It’s easy to point fingers. It’s much harder to govern — and govern well.

Doug Ford’s success at the polls shows that Ontarians see the difference. They’ve backed a version of conservatism that’s modern, realistic, and focused on getting things done. Ford’s leadership reflects a conservative ethos that adapts to current challenges while staying rooted in fiscal discipline and personal responsibility. That’s how conservatism stays relevant.

What’s most unhelpful about Project Ontario is how divisive their approach is. By drawing hard lines and accusing others of being insufficiently conservative, they fracture the movement instead of strengthening it. Ontario needs a united, forward-looking conservative voice — not purity tests and political score-settling. Voters don’t care about internal ideological squabbles. They care about results.

This province is dealing with big issues: rising housing demand, stressed healthcare systems, aging infrastructure, and the need to stay competitive globally. The Ford government is responding with big solutions. And that’s what people expect from their elected leaders. You can’t build new hospitals, fix highways, or modernize public transit with slogans. You do it with planning, investment, and follow-through.

Meanwhile, Project Ontario keeps trying to shrink the definition of conservatism into something rigid and unworkable, and frankly unelectable. But conservatism has always evolved. It’s about principles, not dogma. And it certainly isn’t about tearing down those who have been repeatedly chosen by voters to lead.

At the end of the day, if you believe a different direction is needed, you have to earn that argument with the public. That means showing up with better ideas, not just louder complaints. Doug Ford has done that — three times. And he continues to focus on what matters most to Ontarians: a strong economy, real investments in public services, and responsible leadership.

Project Ontario might dominate a few headlines, but they aren’t offering real answers. Ontario deserves better than ideological posturing. It deserves leadership that listens, adapts, and builds. That’s what Doug Ford is delivering — and that’s what voters continue to endorse.

Laryssa Waler is the founder and CEO of Henley Strategies. She previously served as Premier Doug Ford’s executive director of communications.

Doug Ford has won three consecutive majority governments in Ontario. That’s not just a political accomplishment — it’s a clear signal from voters that they support his brand of pragmatic, results-driven conservatism. When millions of Ontarians endorse a leader at the ballot box time and again, it should carry weight. But Project Ontario, a small advocacy group of discontented conservatives, seems to have missed the memo.

This group insists that Ford isn’t “conservative enough.” Their main grievance? That he spends too much money and strays from what they consider traditional conservative values. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that their argument is less about good governance and more about ideological gatekeeping.

Let’s deal with the spending claim head-on. Project Ontario calls Ford’s infrastructure investments “excessive.” In reality, these are necessary, overdue, and carefully considered decisions — investments in hospitals, long-term care, highways, and transit. These projects don’t just carry price tags — they carry economic value, job creation, and real-world benefits for families and businesses across Ontario. This isn’t wasteful spending. It’s building for the future.

Conservatism has never meant never spending. It’s about responsible stewardship — making sure public dollars are used wisely to improve people’s lives. That’s exactly what Ford is doing. His government is investing where it counts: healthcare, transportation, and education, all while maintaining Ontario’s competitiveness and economic momentum.

It’s also worth pointing out that Project Ontario is clinging to a rigid, outdated idea of conservatism. They act as if there’s only one “true” version of the ideology — one that rejects nearly all forms of public investment. But that’s not how real leadership works. Good conservatives know that strategic investments, made at the right time and in the right way, are essential for long-term prosperity.

Look at the real-life impacts: new transit lines reduce gridlock and make commuting more efficient. More long-term care beds ease pressure on hospitals and give seniors better care. Upgraded roads and bridges support trade, tourism, and local economies. These are not luxuries — they are foundational to a modern, growing province. And Ford’s government has been delivering them with timelines, transparency, and clear objectives.

It’s also telling that Project Ontario spends a lot of time criticizing, but offers little in the way of practical alternatives. They’ve published op-eds and tweeted grievances, but haven’t put forward a plan that recognizes the needs of a province with a growing population, aging infrastructure, and a fast-changing global economy. It’s easy to point fingers. It’s much harder to govern — and govern well.

Doug Ford’s success at the polls shows that Ontarians see the difference. They’ve backed a version of conservatism that’s modern, realistic, and focused on getting things done. Ford’s leadership reflects a conservative ethos that adapts to current challenges while staying rooted in fiscal discipline and personal responsibility. That’s how conservatism stays relevant.

What’s most unhelpful about Project Ontario is how divisive their approach is. By drawing hard lines and accusing others of being insufficiently conservative, they fracture the movement instead of strengthening it. Ontario needs a united, forward-looking conservative voice — not purity tests and political score-settling. Voters don’t care about internal ideological squabbles. They care about results.

This province is dealing with big issues: rising housing demand, stressed healthcare systems, aging infrastructure, and the need to stay competitive globally. The Ford government is responding with big solutions. And that’s what people expect from their elected leaders. You can’t build new hospitals, fix highways, or modernize public transit with slogans. You do it with planning, investment, and follow-through.

Meanwhile, Project Ontario keeps trying to shrink the definition of conservatism into something rigid and unworkable, and frankly unelectable. But conservatism has always evolved. It’s about principles, not dogma. And it certainly isn’t about tearing down those who have been repeatedly chosen by voters to lead.

At the end of the day, if you believe a different direction is needed, you have to earn that argument with the public. That means showing up with better ideas, not just louder complaints. Doug Ford has done that — three times. And he continues to focus on what matters most to Ontarians: a strong economy, real investments in public services, and responsible leadership.

Project Ontario might dominate a few headlines, but they aren’t offering real answers. Ontario deserves better than ideological posturing. It deserves leadership that listens, adapts, and builds. That’s what Doug Ford is delivering — and that’s what voters continue to endorse.

Laryssa Waler is the founder and CEO of Henley Strategies. She previously served as Premier Doug Ford’s executive director of communications.

Doug Ford has won three consecutive majority governments in Ontario. That’s not just a political accomplishment — it’s a clear signal from voters that they support his brand of pragmatic, results-driven conservatism. When millions of Ontarians endorse a leader at the ballot box time and again, it should carry weight. But Project Ontario, a small advocacy group of discontented conservatives, seems to have missed the memo.

This group insists that Ford isn’t “conservative enough.” Their main grievance? That he spends too much money and strays from what they consider traditional conservative values. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that their argument is less about good governance and more about ideological gatekeeping.

Let’s deal with the spending claim head-on. Project Ontario calls Ford’s infrastructure investments “excessive.” In reality, these are necessary, overdue, and carefully considered decisions — investments in hospitals, long-term care, highways, and transit. These projects don’t just carry price tags — they carry economic value, job creation, and real-world benefits for families and businesses across Ontario. This isn’t wasteful spending. It’s building for the future.

Conservatism has never meant never spending. It’s about responsible stewardship — making sure public dollars are used wisely to improve people’s lives. That’s exactly what Ford is doing. His government is investing where it counts: healthcare, transportation, and education, all while maintaining Ontario’s competitiveness and economic momentum.

It’s also worth pointing out that Project Ontario is clinging to a rigid, outdated idea of conservatism. They act as if there’s only one “true” version of the ideology — one that rejects nearly all forms of public investment. But that’s not how real leadership works. Good conservatives know that strategic investments, made at the right time and in the right way, are essential for long-term prosperity.

Look at the real-life impacts: new transit lines reduce gridlock and make commuting more efficient. More long-term care beds ease pressure on hospitals and give seniors better care. Upgraded roads and bridges support trade, tourism, and local economies. These are not luxuries — they are foundational to a modern, growing province. And Ford’s government has been delivering them with timelines, transparency, and clear objectives.

It’s also telling that Project Ontario spends a lot of time criticizing, but offers little in the way of practical alternatives. They’ve published op-eds and tweeted grievances, but haven’t put forward a plan that recognizes the needs of a province with a growing population, aging infrastructure, and a fast-changing global economy. It’s easy to point fingers. It’s much harder to govern — and govern well.

Doug Ford’s success at the polls shows that Ontarians see the difference. They’ve backed a version of conservatism that’s modern, realistic, and focused on getting things done. Ford’s leadership reflects a conservative ethos that adapts to current challenges while staying rooted in fiscal discipline and personal responsibility. That’s how conservatism stays relevant.

What’s most unhelpful about Project Ontario is how divisive their approach is. By drawing hard lines and accusing others of being insufficiently conservative, they fracture the movement instead of strengthening it. Ontario needs a united, forward-looking conservative voice — not purity tests and political score-settling. Voters don’t care about internal ideological squabbles. They care about results.

This province is dealing with big issues: rising housing demand, stressed healthcare systems, aging infrastructure, and the need to stay competitive globally. The Ford government is responding with big solutions. And that’s what people expect from their elected leaders. You can’t build new hospitals, fix highways, or modernize public transit with slogans. You do it with planning, investment, and follow-through.

Meanwhile, Project Ontario keeps trying to shrink the definition of conservatism into something rigid and unworkable, and frankly unelectable. But conservatism has always evolved. It’s about principles, not dogma. And it certainly isn’t about tearing down those who have been repeatedly chosen by voters to lead.

At the end of the day, if you believe a different direction is needed, you have to earn that argument with the public. That means showing up with better ideas, not just louder complaints. Doug Ford has done that — three times. And he continues to focus on what matters most to Ontarians: a strong economy, real investments in public services, and responsible leadership.

Project Ontario might dominate a few headlines, but they aren’t offering real answers. Ontario deserves better than ideological posturing. It deserves leadership that listens, adapts, and builds. That’s what Doug Ford is delivering — and that’s what voters continue to endorse.

Laryssa Waler is the founder and CEO of Henley Strategies. She previously served as Premier Doug Ford’s executive director of communications.

Doug Ford has won three consecutive majority governments in Ontario. That’s not just a political accomplishment — it’s a clear signal from voters that they support his brand of pragmatic, results-driven conservatism. When millions of Ontarians endorse a leader at the ballot box time and again, it should carry weight. But Project Ontario, a small advocacy group of discontented conservatives, seems to have missed the memo.

This group insists that Ford isn’t “conservative enough.” Their main grievance? That he spends too much money and strays from what they consider traditional conservative values. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that their argument is less about good governance and more about ideological gatekeeping.

Let’s deal with the spending claim head-on. Project Ontario calls Ford’s infrastructure investments “excessive.” In reality, these are necessary, overdue, and carefully considered decisions — investments in hospitals, long-term care, highways, and transit. These projects don’t just carry price tags — they carry economic value, job creation, and real-world benefits for families and businesses across Ontario. This isn’t wasteful spending. It’s building for the future.

Conservatism has never meant never spending. It’s about responsible stewardship — making sure public dollars are used wisely to improve people’s lives. That’s exactly what Ford is doing. His government is investing where it counts: healthcare, transportation, and education, all while maintaining Ontario’s competitiveness and economic momentum.

It’s also worth pointing out that Project Ontario is clinging to a rigid, outdated idea of conservatism. They act as if there’s only one “true” version of the ideology — one that rejects nearly all forms of public investment. But that’s not how real leadership works. Good conservatives know that strategic investments, made at the right time and in the right way, are essential for long-term prosperity.

Look at the real-life impacts: new transit lines reduce gridlock and make commuting more efficient. More long-term care beds ease pressure on hospitals and give seniors better care. Upgraded roads and bridges support trade, tourism, and local economies. These are not luxuries — they are foundational to a modern, growing province. And Ford’s government has been delivering them with timelines, transparency, and clear objectives.

It’s also telling that Project Ontario spends a lot of time criticizing, but offers little in the way of practical alternatives. They’ve published op-eds and tweeted grievances, but haven’t put forward a plan that recognizes the needs of a province with a growing population, aging infrastructure, and a fast-changing global economy. It’s easy to point fingers. It’s much harder to govern — and govern well.

Doug Ford’s success at the polls shows that Ontarians see the difference. They’ve backed a version of conservatism that’s modern, realistic, and focused on getting things done. Ford’s leadership reflects a conservative ethos that adapts to current challenges while staying rooted in fiscal discipline and personal responsibility. That’s how conservatism stays relevant.

What’s most unhelpful about Project Ontario is how divisive their approach is. By drawing hard lines and accusing others of being insufficiently conservative, they fracture the movement instead of strengthening it. Ontario needs a united, forward-looking conservative voice — not purity tests and political score-settling. Voters don’t care about internal ideological squabbles. They care about results.

This province is dealing with big issues: rising housing demand, stressed healthcare systems, aging infrastructure, and the need to stay competitive globally. The Ford government is responding with big solutions. And that’s what people expect from their elected leaders. You can’t build new hospitals, fix highways, or modernize public transit with slogans. You do it with planning, investment, and follow-through.

Meanwhile, Project Ontario keeps trying to shrink the definition of conservatism into something rigid and unworkable, and frankly unelectable. But conservatism has always evolved. It’s about principles, not dogma. And it certainly isn’t about tearing down those who have been repeatedly chosen by voters to lead.

At the end of the day, if you believe a different direction is needed, you have to earn that argument with the public. That means showing up with better ideas, not just louder complaints. Doug Ford has done that — three times. And he continues to focus on what matters most to Ontarians: a strong economy, real investments in public services, and responsible leadership.

Project Ontario might dominate a few headlines, but they aren’t offering real answers. Ontario deserves better than ideological posturing. It deserves leadership that listens, adapts, and builds. That’s what Doug Ford is delivering — and that’s what voters continue to endorse.

Laryssa Waler is the founder and CEO of Henley Strategies. She previously served as Premier Doug Ford’s executive director of communications.

Doug Ford has won three consecutive majority governments in Ontario. That’s not just a political accomplishment — it’s a clear signal from voters that they support his brand of pragmatic, results-driven conservatism. When millions of Ontarians endorse a leader at the ballot box time and again, it should carry weight. But Project Ontario, a small advocacy group of discontented conservatives, seems to have missed the memo.

This group insists that Ford isn’t “conservative enough.” Their main grievance? That he spends too much money and strays from what they consider traditional conservative values. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that their argument is less about good governance and more about ideological gatekeeping.

Let’s deal with the spending claim head-on. Project Ontario calls Ford’s infrastructure investments “excessive.” In reality, these are necessary, overdue, and carefully considered decisions — investments in hospitals, long-term care, highways, and transit. These projects don’t just carry price tags — they carry economic value, job creation, and real-world benefits for families and businesses across Ontario. This isn’t wasteful spending. It’s building for the future.

Conservatism has never meant never spending. It’s about responsible stewardship — making sure public dollars are used wisely to improve people’s lives. That’s exactly what Ford is doing. His government is investing where it counts: healthcare, transportation, and education, all while maintaining Ontario’s competitiveness and economic momentum.

It’s also worth pointing out that Project Ontario is clinging to a rigid, outdated idea of conservatism. They act as if there’s only one “true” version of the ideology — one that rejects nearly all forms of public investment. But that’s not how real leadership works. Good conservatives know that strategic investments, made at the right time and in the right way, are essential for long-term prosperity.

Look at the real-life impacts: new transit lines reduce gridlock and make commuting more efficient. More long-term care beds ease pressure on hospitals and give seniors better care. Upgraded roads and bridges support trade, tourism, and local economies. These are not luxuries — they are foundational to a modern, growing province. And Ford’s government has been delivering them with timelines, transparency, and clear objectives.

It’s also telling that Project Ontario spends a lot of time criticizing, but offers little in the way of practical alternatives. They’ve published op-eds and tweeted grievances, but haven’t put forward a plan that recognizes the needs of a province with a growing population, aging infrastructure, and a fast-changing global economy. It’s easy to point fingers. It’s much harder to govern — and govern well.

Doug Ford’s success at the polls shows that Ontarians see the difference. They’ve backed a version of conservatism that’s modern, realistic, and focused on getting things done. Ford’s leadership reflects a conservative ethos that adapts to current challenges while staying rooted in fiscal discipline and personal responsibility. That’s how conservatism stays relevant.

What’s most unhelpful about Project Ontario is how divisive their approach is. By drawing hard lines and accusing others of being insufficiently conservative, they fracture the movement instead of strengthening it. Ontario needs a united, forward-looking conservative voice — not purity tests and political score-settling. Voters don’t care about internal ideological squabbles. They care about results.

This province is dealing with big issues: rising housing demand, stressed healthcare systems, aging infrastructure, and the need to stay competitive globally. The Ford government is responding with big solutions. And that’s what people expect from their elected leaders. You can’t build new hospitals, fix highways, or modernize public transit with slogans. You do it with planning, investment, and follow-through.

Meanwhile, Project Ontario keeps trying to shrink the definition of conservatism into something rigid and unworkable, and frankly unelectable. But conservatism has always evolved. It’s about principles, not dogma. And it certainly isn’t about tearing down those who have been repeatedly chosen by voters to lead.

At the end of the day, if you believe a different direction is needed, you have to earn that argument with the public. That means showing up with better ideas, not just louder complaints. Doug Ford has done that — three times. And he continues to focus on what matters most to Ontarians: a strong economy, real investments in public services, and responsible leadership.

Project Ontario might dominate a few headlines, but they aren’t offering real answers. Ontario deserves better than ideological posturing. It deserves leadership that listens, adapts, and builds. That’s what Doug Ford is delivering — and that’s what voters continue to endorse.

Laryssa Waler is the founder and CEO of Henley Strategies. She previously served as Premier Doug Ford’s executive director of communications.