The Perception Gap: Internal Polling Exposes Ford Government's Public Safety Struggle
While Premier Doug Ford doubles down on 'tough-on-crime' rhetoric, the province's own internal data reveals a public that views government efforts as largely ineffective.
### Opinion: The Rhetoric vs. The Reality
For years, Premier Doug Ford has positioned himself as the champion of law and order, frequently targeting "bleeding heart judges." However, as CBC Toronto first reported, internal government data suggests this aggressive posture is not translating into public confidence. There is a critical disconnect: the government speaks a language of strength, but Ontarians are reporting a reality of ineffectiveness.
### Internal Data Reveals 'Ineffective' Public Safety Efforts
Internal polling conducted by the Leger firm in March on behalf of the Ontario government reveals that the public views the province's work on public safety as "largely ineffective." The survey, released following a freedom of information request by CBC News, found that fewer than one in five respondents believe the government is effectively managing vehicle and property theft, repeat offenders, public substance use/mental health issues, and the management of encampments.
CBC Toronto notes a demographic divide, with women more likely than men to view these actions as ineffective. Furthermore, public awareness of specific initiatives is low; only 29 percent of respondents were aware of pledges to strengthen the bail system, and just over a quarter knew of plans to hire more correctional officers.
### The Government's Defense and Political Fallout
Saddam Khussain, speaking for Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, told CBC Toronto the government is spending more than $3 billion to expand jail capacity, hire court staff and judges, and establish prosecutors for violent crime bail cases. Khussain asserted that the province has implemented "historic tough-on-crime measures" to keep repeat offenders behind bars.
Opposition leaders view these results as a "wake-up call." NDP critic Kristyn Wong-Tam highlighted failures in addictions treatment, while Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner called for a shift toward supportive housing. These tensions peak with Premier Ford's suggestion that judges should be elected—a stance that has prompted opponents to compare him to U.S. President Donald Trump.