Ontario Premier Doug Ford does not support capital punishment, his office stated on Thursday, responding to reports that he joked about executing home invaders.
The Toronto Star reported that Ford told a London Police Service gala on January 29, “I send ‘em right to sparky,” according to a recording obtained by the newspaper.
Spokesperson Grace Lee called the remark a “poor-taste joke” stemming from frustration with federal bail policies that Ford claims free violent offenders.
“The premier made a poor-taste joke out of frustration for the many people affected by violent criminals out on our streets because of the federal government’s broken bail system and soft-on-crime policies,” said Lee.
“The premier does not support capital punishment but rather firmly believes more needs to be done to keep violent and repeat offenders behind bars where they belong.”
Canada abolished capital punishment in 1976, and murder convictions now carry life terms.
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie blasted Ford’s comments as “beyond disturbing” in a social media post.
“We're half way through this self-serving election, and instead of talking about healthcare, Doug Ford is pushing for the death penalty,” tweeted Crombie.
“Just like Trump. Once again he's showing us who he really is.”
Ford’s Progressive Conservatives lead polls with 45.5% support among decided voters, Liberals trail at 29.5%, followed by the NDP at 16.9%, and Greens at 6.5%.
