Here’s Why Doug Ford Won’t March In The Raptors’ Parade
Published June 14, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Premier Doug Ford just told a reporter that he will not be marching in the Raptors’ parade.
According to TSN, The Raptors Championship Parade will be held on June 17 at 10 a.m. After 24 long years, the Toronto Raptors are the 2019 NBA Champions following their Game 6ix victory over the Golden State Warriors on June 13. Many politicians and people celebrated the win and will still be celebrating the victory this Monday. This includes Ontario’s Premier.
Congrats to the Toronto @Raptors for bringing an NBA Championship home and making Canada proud! #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/B3XqIYsEH7
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) June 14, 2019
However, in an interview with Richard Southern from 680 News, Ford stated that he will not be marching at the parade.
“I’m going to be there with the people celebrating but by no means do I believe any politician should be in any parade,” stated Ford.
#BREAKING – Premier Ford won’t be marching in the Raptors parade. In an interview with me airing on @680NEWS & @CityNews Ford says “I’m going to be there with the people celebrating but by no means do I believe any politician should be in any parade” #onpoli pic.twitter.com/i8O9AQReFd
— Richard Southern (@richard680news) June 14, 2019
But it looks like the parade rule isn’t a hard and fast one, as Ford–who was a city councillor before he was premier–attended and marched in the St. Patricks Parade in Toronto.
Live from the St. Patrick’s day parade today in #Toronto, Ontario. #DougFord pic.twitter.com/7Uo1PQvi0d
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 11, 2018
And, also attended one last year.
Sat Sri Akal, what a crowd at the Khalsa Day Parade! #nagarkirtans #HappyVaisakhi! Vaisakhi di lakh lakh vadhai! pic.twitter.com/QGVbdiHbGK
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 29, 2018
He also attended the GCT OXI Parade on Danforth.
Walking with the #Greek community on #Danforth,GCT OXI Parade @GreekComToronto @ 1pm https://t.co/1fp4XXl2Wi #Toronto pic.twitter.com/ClNCyWSZY3
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 26, 2014
Many people were shocked to hear his statement and flocked to Twitter to share their thoughts.
So I guess he will be skipping the xmas parades and tell his MPP's to do the same?
— gail Batten (@gailBatten4) June 14, 2019
Then why was he in the Good Friday parade at College and Grace when he was a councillor? Only when it suits?
— Kotisa (@MFKotisa) June 14, 2019
Strange. I certainly saw Doug Ford at the Good Friday Parade in downtown Toronto in April this year #morelies #onpoli #shutupford #PrideMonth
— Emily Visser (@EmilyVisser) June 14, 2019
Some have speculated that Ford might be forgoing the Raptors’ parade to better justify any refusal to march in the upcoming Pride parade downtown (a parade his late brother, Rob, famously snubbed while serving as mayor of one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world). Others have said that with Ford sinking in the polls, he might not want to attract any negative attention to an otherwise celebratory event. While it’s hard to say exactly why Ford is suddenly taking a stand against politicians marching in parades, it’s clear that Canada will be happy about the Raptors’ parade no matter what.
What do you think of Ford’s statement?
Photo courtesy of Doug Ford/Twitter
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