Residents in Stouffville are set to join a province-wide protest against Premier Doug Ford and local Member of Provincial Parliament Paul Calandra on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The demonstration, which begins at 12:00 PM at 37 Sandiford Drive, is part of a growing movement expressing concern over recent provincial government policies.
The location at 37 Sandiford Drive, which houses the Stouffville Administration Office and ServiceOntario, will serve as the hub for local participants. This event is organized by the grassroots movement known as Fight Ford, which has seen participation levels rise from 15 initial rallies across Ontario in February 2026 to 38 demonstrations held on March 28.
The protest targets several provincial actions, including upcoming changes to student financial aid. The government is shifting the Ontario Student Assistance Program from a structure based primarily on grants to one based primarily on loans, with the share of grants dropping from 85 per cent to 25 per cent starting this September. Additionally, protesters are speaking out against proposed changes to freedom of information laws that would prevent the public from accessing records kept by the premier, cabinet ministers, and their offices.
Local MPP Paul Calandra, who also serves as the Minister of Education, is a focal point of the gathering. His recent tenure has included moving to place certain school boards under provincial supervision and instructing schools to keep graduation ceremonies apolitical.
The planned protest comes amid a backdrop of declining public support for the premier. According to a March 2026 poll from the Angus Reid Institute, Premier Ford currently holds an approval rating of 31 per cent, the lowest among all Canadian premiers.
