Ontario Premier Doug Ford has apologized to Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth after making personal remarks toward her during debate in the provincial legislature.
Smyth, who represents Toronto—St. Paul’s, said the premier contacted her directly following Thursday’s incident and that she accepted his apology.
The exchange occurred during debate over proposed legislation that would limit public access to records belonging to the premier, cabinet ministers, and their staff.
During questioning, Smyth challenged Ford over accountability, asking why a premier who says he values transparency would support measures critics say make scrutiny more difficult.
Ford responded by criticizing Smyth’s previous career in broadcast journalism. His remarks sparked immediate backlash inside the chamber, with opposition members calling for an apology as the confrontation escalated.
After receiving Ford’s apology, Smyth said she hopes attention can now return to policy discussions when the legislature resumes sitting in May.
The incident has added to ongoing debate at Queen’s Park over political decorum, transparency, and the tone of public discourse in Ontario politics.