Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pushing for unity and laying out the province’s wishes for the new year in his latest Christmas message.
In a video posted to the premier’s social media accounts on Monday, Ford is seen donning a bright red Santa suit while performing a parody of the famous holiday poem, “A Visit from St. Nicolas.”
Ford’s rendition begins with the same iconic lines from the 1823 children’s poem. He then adapts the words to outline his government’s initiatives for 2025.
“‘Twas the night before Christmas and our province stood tall, with visions of progress uniting us all,” Ford says in the video. “As we look ahead to another New Year, here’s what we’re working on to bring you good cheer.”
The video then turns to transportation minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, who pens a letter to Santa asking for solutions to gridlock and traffic congestion.
“Dear Santa, Ontarians are stuck in traffic, losing time each day with crowded roads and endless jams, it shouldn’t be this way” Sarkaria says. “So this year, I’m wishing big! Let gridlock disappear and bring joy to everyone this coming new year.”
Energy minister Stephen Lecce also made a cameo in the premier’s video, along with economic development minister Victor Fedeli, labour minister David Paccini and health minister Sylvia Jones.
In the two-minute video, each minister pens a letter to Santa with a list of Christmas wishes. They include an expansion of nuclear power generation and electrification across Ontario, investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and mineral resources, investments in training and programs to support skilled trades and an expansion to health care services.
Each minister is then shown delivering their list of Christmas wishes to a mailbox outside the premier’s office at Queen’s Park.
The video ends with a final message from Ford in full Santa gear.
“As Christmas arrives with hope shining bright, we’re forging ahead with unwavering might,” Ford says through a long white beard. “I’m grateful to the people of Ontario for your trust and your cheer. Together, we’ll build the future that’s stronger each year. Merry Christmas to all with the new year in sight. Merry Christmas, Ontario, and to all a good night.”
