# Ontario Premier Doug Ford political scrutiny > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ontario-premier-doug-ford-political-scrutiny > Updated: 2026-09-03T17:28:34.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has faced criticism regarding his interactions with business leaders, media transparency, and public expenditures. Following his rejection of opposition proposals to restrict surveillance pricing in grocery stores, Ford held a private meeting with Loblaw CEO Per Bank. While the premier’s office noted that such meetings with business stakeholders are regular, the specific details of the discussion were not disclosed. Subsequent scrutiny arose after Ford conducted a press conference regarding housing development charges via YouTube without press attendance, remarking, “Thank God we don’t have the media. No questions, no answers, we’re good to go.” Additionally, Ford defended the $25,000 cost of a “Lake Ontario now and always” sign, which was installed in response to a U.S. executive order renaming the water body “Lake America.” Ford claimed the sign provided “$25 million of free advertising” through international news coverage. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Ontario Premier Doug Ford faces scrutiny over media access and public spending Ontario Premier Doug Ford is facing criticism for avoiding media questioning during a housing announcement and for defending the $25,000 cost of a sign responding to U.S. renaming of Lake Ontario. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ontario-premier-doug-ford-faces-scrutiny-over-media-access-and-public-spending ### 2026-08-18: Doug Ford meets with Loblaw CEO following grocery pricing debate Ontario Premier Doug Ford held a private meeting with Loblaw CEO Per Bank shortly after rejecting legislation intended to regulate surveillance pricing in grocery stores. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/doug-ford-met-with-loblaw-ceo-following-rejection-of-grocery-pricing-legislation --- Cite as: Ontario Premier Doug Ford political scrutiny. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ontario-premier-doug-ford-political-scrutiny