A new generation of the Ford family is stepping into the arena of Ontario politics. Stephanie Ford, just twenty years old, has been elected to a key position within the Progressive Conservative Party, continuing a legacy deeply rooted in the province’s political landscape.
The daughter of the late Toronto mayor Rob Ford and niece of current Premier Doug Ford, Stephanie secured the role of youth representative at the party’s recent convention. This isn’t simply a symbolic appointment; she’s also been named one of the party’s vice presidents, signaling a clear intention to integrate her voice into the PC’s core structure.
Stephanie’s path to this position wasn’t sudden. She’s been actively gaining experience within the political system, completing internships with York Centre MPP Michael Kerzner and Etobicoke Centre MPP Kinga Surma. These roles provided invaluable insight into the workings of government, from coordinating events to contributing to policy research.
During her time with MPP Kerzner, she honed skills in speechwriting, briefing note preparation, and even social media management for the party. She described the experience as an honor, a sentiment echoed in her dedication to public service and a clear indication of her ambition.
The weight of her family’s history is undeniable. Stephanie was only ten years old when her father, Rob Ford, tragically lost his battle with cancer. She remembers him not just as a public figure, but as a devoted father who filled their lives with joy and adventure.
At her father’s funeral, a young Stephanie spoke with remarkable poise, recalling cherished memories of family vacations and simple pleasures. She expressed a belief that he had found peace, becoming “the mayor of Heaven,” a poignant image that resonated deeply with those who knew him.
Stephanie isn’t alone in carrying the Ford name in provincial politics. Her cousin, Michael Ford, previously served as a Member of Provincial Parliament, and their grandfather, Doug Ford Sr., was a Progressive Conservative MPP in the 1990s. This lineage represents a long-standing commitment to public service within the family.
While Michael Ford recently stepped back from his role to focus on personal well-being, Stephanie’s emergence signals a continuation of the Ford family’s involvement in shaping Ontario’s future. Her youth and fresh perspective could prove to be a valuable asset to the Progressive Conservative Party.
Her election isn’t just about a name; it’s about a young woman actively choosing to engage with the political process, building her experience, and preparing to contribute her own voice to the ongoing conversation about Ontario’s direction.
