Title: Project Ontario Launches Amid Criticism from Ford

Project Ontario, a new conservative group, held its launch event on Tuesday evening at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto. The gathering attracted around 150 attendees, including notable conservative figures. The event was marked by humor, with one participant jokingly referring to it as the "yahoo summit."

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has labeled Project Ontario as a far-right group since its emergence in June. On the eve of the launch, Ford expressed his unfamiliarity with the group, stating, "I don’t even know who these guys are. They sound like a bunch of radical rights," during a press conference in Hamilton. His comments have drawn criticism, suggesting he may not have fully engaged with the group's objectives or members.

The event featured a lineup of respected conservative voices, including strategist Ginny Roth, Canadian Constitution Foundation counsel Josh Dehaas, and Conservative MP Jamil Jivani. Roth emphasized that Project Ontario is a loose coalition of conservatives concerned about the province's current trajectory. She stated that the group's next steps are still to be determined.

Economist Tim Sargent, a former federal bureaucrat, reflected on Ontario's economic status, noting that it was once viewed as the "strong heart of the Canadian economy." He pointed out that Ontario's GDP per capita is now significantly lower than that of other provinces, ranking fifth among them. In 2023, Ontario's GDP per capita was reported at $62,338, with only five U.S. states performing worse.

The group highlighted several pressing issues facing Ontario. For instance, the province has seen a dramatic increase in net out-migration, with 140,000 people leaving in the past five years. This contrasts sharply with a net in-migration of 42,000 over the previous five years. Additionally, housing construction has declined significantly, with only 27,368 new homes started in the first half of 2025, a 25% drop from the same period in 2024.

Roth and other speakers at the event expressed concern over the lack of effective opposition in the province. They believe Project Ontario can play a crucial role in advocating for change, especially as the Progressive Conservative party appears to be content with the status quo. Roth quoted former Premier Mike Harris, who wished he had acted more decisively during his time in office, underscoring the urgency felt by many in the room.

As Project Ontario continues to define its mission, it aims to address the challenges facing the province and offer alternatives to the current government’s policies. The group’s formation reflects a growing sentiment among conservatives who seek to push for more substantial reforms in Ontario's political landscape.