On March 13, 2018, Ford told The Globe and Mail he wanted to implement a populistagenda if elected. He said he was open to greater privatization of marijuana and alcohol sales in Ontario as well as abolishing the relatively new "foreign-buyers tax" on real estate. Ford said he would condense the party platform adopted under former leader Patrick Brown, reducing about ten percent of it,[56] into a five-point plan focusing on health, education, creating jobs, getting rid of the province's cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions, and reducing electricity rates.[57][58] Ford's position on the carbon tax has been criticized for overlooking the fact that if the province does not accept a price on carbon, the federal government will impose one and on the basis that by dropping the carbon tax, the province would lose $4 billion in revenues leaving a Ford government unable to fund its promises. Ford has responded claiming that he would make up the shortfall by finding "efficiencies" in government spending.[56]
Ford stated that he would allow the introduction of a private member's bill requiring minors to consult with their parents before obtaining an abortion. When asked about it later he said it was not "on the top of [his] priority list".[56][59][60][61] He was critical of the sex educationcurriculum introduced in Ontario in 2015, and has stated that he believes it needs to be revised.[62][63] Liberal campaign co-chair Deb Matthews accused Ford of wading into "divisive social conservative issues" with his remarks.[64]
Ford held a rally in Hamilton, Ontario, on April 3, 2018, where he announced that if elected his government would allow Hamilton City Council to reallocate the $1.3 billion allocated for the city's proposed rapid transit system to roads or other infrastructure if the council and people of Hamilton so decided.[65] Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger responded saying that city council had already decided the issue and that cancelling the LRT would mean $100 million would "be thrown away".[66] Ted McMeekin, a local Liberal MPP, criticized Ford's announcement saying "He paints himself as a responsible fiscal person but sees nothing wrong with writing a blank cheque for $1.2 billion."[66]
Ford blamed Ontario's high hydro rates for the loss of manufacturing jobs and blasted the Liberal Party for "cronyism".[67][68][69] Ford has said he would revive manufacturing in Ontario by easing regulations, cutting taxes including the planned carbon tax, and ensuring competitive electricity rates.[70] When asked what he would do to lower hydro rates, Ford did not outline any concrete proposal, saying that he would need to conduct a proper review.[71]
In regards to Northern Ontario, Ford criticized the Liberal government for not proceeding quickly enough to develop the Northern Ontario Ring of Fire,[72] saying that he'd get on a bulldozer himself if necessary.[73][74] His comments in regards to Ring of Fire development have been criticized as being "simplistic" and disregarding the patience required to negotiate with Indigenous peoples in regards to land claims and ensuring Indigenous communities receive a share of any economic gains.[74]
On April 19th, Ford attacked Hydro One CEO Mayo Schmidt, calling him "Kathleen Wynne's $6-million dollar man" in reference to his reported annual salary, and calling on Schmidt and Hydro One's board of directors to resign "immediately".[75] Ford vowed to fire them all if elected, although PCPO energy critic Todd Smith later clarified that the government cannot dismiss Hydro One's CEO directly.[76]
