NDP grills Ford over $1K per burger fundraiser in North Bay

NORTH BAY, Ont. — Premier Doug Ford, in North Bay Monday for an announcement regarding the development of the new Sienna Senior Living long-term care facility is facing criticism for his dining choice while in town.

NDP Ethics and Accountability critic Taras Natyshak released a statement in which the Essex MPP refers to Ford’s $1,000-a-burger fundraiser to be held Monday in North Bay, calling it "the first in-person fundraiser of the pandemic."

The NDP claims Monday’s luncheon is one of at least four PC Party fundraisers this week.

"The pandemic isn’t over, but Doug Ford has long-since turned his attention to prioritize collecting thousands in donations from his rich insiders and lobbyists," Natyshak stated. "There aren’t too many regular folks willing to pay $1,000 for a burger and a pop — but Ford is happy to focus on the ultra-wealthy who are willing and able to shell out $1,000 per person for access."

Given the opportunity, Ford did not refute Natyshak's claims about the fundraiser.

Ford did respond, "The NDP, they can say what they want. They have their fundraisers, that's the way the political system runs. We're going into an election year and we're going to have a good time meeting the people up in North Bay and thanking them."