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Corruption In Plain Sight? Doug Ford’s Cozy Ties with Corporate Donors Like Magna Raise Ethical Concerns When They Give His Daughter’s Jobs

Jun 10, 2024

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been scrutinized for his close relationships with corporate donors, particularly the auto parts giant Magna International. These cozy relationships raise ethical questions about potential conflicts of interest and the undue influence of wealthy donors on government policies.

Magna International, one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, has long been a significant donor to the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. According to public records, Magna and its executives have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the party over the years, including during Ford’s tenure as leader.

Magna CEO Frank Stronach, recently charged with rape and sexual assault spanning decades, likes to spread money around to his political pals and Politicians love them some billionaires. His been filling Ontario Conservative Coffers for years, and a few days before he was charged with raping multiple women, Frank and his “Affluent Canadian Family Organization” held a fundraiser for Pierre Poilievre’s conservatives.

Old Conservative money goes in circles. It’s about influence, power, and employing your preferred politicians and family members for financial and regulatory favors, like evading rape charges for 40 years.

The ties between Ford Conservatives, Ford Family Members, and Magna go beyond political donations. Two of Ford’s daughters, Krista and Kayla, have previously worked for Magna. Krista worked at Magna’s corporate office, while Kayla worked at one of the company’s manufacturing plants.

Frank Stronach founded the political party Team Stronach in Austria in 2012. The party was characterized as a Eurosceptic and right-wing populist. It advocated for Austria to leave the Euro currency and introduce an Austrian Euro, reflecting a nationalist economic stance. Team Stronach attracted members from various political backgrounds, including defectors from the far-right Alliance for the Future of Austria (BZÖ). Despite these connections, Stronach’s party was not as opposed to immigration as other right-wing parties, distinguishing it somewhat from more extreme far-right groups.

Connections to Conservative Causes and Lobby Groups

Stronach has been involved in conservative politics both in Austria and Canada. In Austria, he has financially supported politicians across the spectrum, including those from the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP)
His financial contributions have been significant, with reports indicating that he invested millions into his political endeavors, including € 25 million to fund his party’s campaign €. Stronach’s political activities in Canada included running for the Liberal Party in 1988 and supporting his daughter Belinda Stronach’s political career. Belinda was instrumental in uniting right-wing parties into the current Conservative Party.

Political Funding and Special Interests in Canada

Stronach founded Magna International, a global auto parts company, which has been a significant player in the Canadian economy. His wealth and success have allowed him to influence business and politics considerably. Stronach’s investments in Austria included attempts to acquire major companies and support for sports teams, reflecting his broader interest in shaping public life and policy.

And it looks like those ties paid off for Frank and Doug. Not only was Frank the recipient of a 26 million dollar grant from the province of Ontario, but Frank also gave Doug’s daughter a job at Magna, so it’s all good! Now, Doug knows Kayla has some money to walk around with.

It is worth noting that Ford has denied any wrongdoing and has stated that he follows all ethical guidelines. However, the perception of conflicts of interest can be just as damaging as actual conflicts, and elected officials must maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

In a democracy, government decisions must be made in the public’s best interests, not in the interests of corporate donors or personal connections. The close ties between the Ford family and corporate donors like Magna raise legitimate concerns about the potential for undue influence and the erosion of public trust in government.

Transparency, ethical conduct, and a commitment to serving the public interest should be the guiding principles for all elected officials, regardless of their political affiliations. And billionaires should be allowed to skirt rape charges for decades, no matter how much money they donate to government officials and police unions.

Call me crazy, but I wouldn’t send my daughters to work for an alleged rapist. Maybe Doug’s OK with it.

 

 

Dean Blundell

Dean Blundell is a Canadian radio personality. Best known as a longtime morning host on CFNY-FM (The Edge) in Toronto, Ontario. In 2015 he was named the new morning host on sports radio station CJCL (Sportsnet 590 The Fan). Dean started his career in radio in 2001 and for nearly 20 years been entertaining the radio audience. Dean’s newest venture is the launch of his site and podcast which is gaining tremendous momentum across North America.

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