On February 12, 2025 while canvassing during 2025 Ontario general election, PC MPP and Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Todd McCarthy told a potential voter that a 2018 leaked video from a closed-door Doug Ford campaign event – in which the Ontario PC Leader promised to open up a “big chunk” of the Greenbelt was fake news and suggested it may have been created by artificial intelligence:
McCarthy: It was not handled well at all, the Premier said so. That’s what I love about Premier Ford, is when he makes a mistake on procedure or otherwise, he says I’m sorry, we’re not doing it anymore, and we’re going back to the [unclear].
Constituent: Yeah, I’ll give him that he did go back on what he said, but
McCarthy: It’s more strongly protected than it ever was
Constituent: he was involved in the behind the doors stuff too, though
McCarthy: He actually wasn’t, that’s not true. That is not true.
Constituent: There’s a video of him talking to developers beforehand saying that he was going to open up the Greenbelt in a private meeting
McCarthy: I think that’s, I think that’s fake news. I know the Premier’s track record on this
Constituent: I’ve I’ve visually seen the video.
McCarthy: That’s fake news. Know about AI? Be careful about what people … people can make anyone look like any[unclear]
Constituent: He absolutely would have [unclear]
McCarthy: Well I don’t think I convinced you but I’m happy to talk to you. Pleasure to see you.
McCarthy’s response
The Progressive Conservative campaign said McCarthy didn’t realize Crompton was talking about the 2018 video.
Mr. McCarthy thought the constituent was referring to a new video, not the one from nearly a decade ago that has been widely reported
Campaign spokesperson
Comments
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions below and remember to keep it respectful. Please read our Community Guidelines before participating.