Windsor-Essex residents protest Ford government policies

Outside the office of Andrew Dowie, the PC MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh on Feb. 20, 2026. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Windsor-Essex residents, concerned by the policy direction of the Doug Ford Government, gathered Saturday to demand his resignation.

Outside the office of Andrew Dowie, the PC MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh, more than 20 people, representing various advocacy and union groups, met to share their message.

Dubbed the Fire Ford February Protest, Randy Emerson, a member of the Windsor-Essex chapter of the Council of Canadians, told CTV News that participants came to speak out about issues affecting them.

“We got teachers, we got people… from the Essex Regional Conservation Authority. We have people from all different walks of life,” Emerson said.

Up and down Tecumseh Road East, people walked, signs in hand, to the sound of honking horns.

On sheets cut to resemble tombstones, participants wrote about different issues and organizations they believe have suffered under the Ford government.

“We have the gravestones here that have a list of all the stuff that different people are here for,” Emerson explained.

“RIP ERCA,” read one sign, a direct reference to the government’s plan to consolidate conservation authorities in the province.

A sign in Emerson’s hands read “RIP PUBLIC HEALTH CARE,” which he later said was a reference to lengthy wait times in emergency rooms and an increase in private health care clinics.

There were also concerns raised about recent changes to OSAP, the state of affordable housing and funding for education.

“People are hurting now, and he’s not trying to help out. He helps his buddies that are richer,” Emerson alleged.

Organizers of the protest said they extended an invitation to Dowie, but he declined due to parliamentary duties.

In a statement to CTV News, Dowie said constituents are able to reach him by phone or at his constituency office during the week.

“I remain deeply honoured to have again earned the support of the people of Windsor–Tecumseh less than a year ago, with increased margin and vote share from 2022,” Dowie wrote.

While Emerson admitted the protest’s goal is to see Ford voted out in the next provincial election, for now, he’ll settle for being heard.

“I believe I’d like him to at least listen to us and maybe do something about this, right? I mean, if he could do that, I would be happy,” Emerson said.