Doug Ford Defends Decision To Appoint Don Cherry Minister Of Francophone Affairs
By Scott Slute
Queen’s Park - After announcing his new cabinet less than a week ago, Premier Ford is already shaking things up by appointing former Hockey Night in Canada host Don Cherry to the position of Ontario’s Francophone Affairs minister, much to the dismay of many Ontarians.
Ford has been quick to defend his decision, claiming he only learned this Monday that there were even Francophones in Ontario, and when googling “ontario french” Don Cherry was the first name to pop up.
“Folks, The Honourable Mr Cherry has a long history dealing with the francophone community. Some might even call him an expert on the matter,” stated Ford, who admitted to having never watched an episode of Coach’s Corner.
Several journalist have already spoken out against the appointment of Cherry, including Bobby Tomcat of Sportsnet 590 who cited the minister’s long history of anti-francophone sentiments and the fact that he isn’t an elected MPP.
“I know some of you are gonna have a problem with this,” said the 88 year old Cherry, “But what was Dougie gonna do? Appoint some French guy into this role? Not a chance. They’re all too soft.”
Cherry has outlined his plans as minister, and apparently it only involves one thing.
“I’m really excited to be responsible for looking after all these Frenchies. First things first, I’m gonna teach them all how to speak the good language,” stated Cherry, referencing a comment he made in 1993 regarding the anglophones in Sault Ste. Marie.
When a CBC journalist pointed out to Cherry that the francophone community in Ontario were not “French” they just spoke the French language, Cherry responded, “Well, whatever. They’re all European pinkos to me.”
This isn’t the first of Ford‘s cabinet appointment to be met with criticism. Ford’s decision to appoint his nephew Michael to the role of Minister of Multiculturalism was met with backlash, with residents stating the role should have gone to someone more reflective of Ontario’s diversity. Ford defended the decision claiming Michael had a black friend in high school, however The Harold has since learned that friend was actually Sicilian.
Scott Slute is the Editor in Chief at The Toronto Harold