Analysts divided after Marit Stiles says Doug Ford could end up in prison

Controversial comments made this week by Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, in which she said Premier Doug Ford could end up imprisoned, have left political analysts divided over whether the rhetoric energized her base or undermined her credibility.

“Don’t worry about it, Doug. When I’m premier, I’m going to call a public inquiry into all of this,” Stiles said. “Maybe you don’t get another mandate because you’ll be in prison, Doug.”

Stiles said “a lot of terrible stuff” is going to be revealed about the conduct of the Ford government if a public inquiry is launched after the premier’s time in office concludes. She brought up the government’s clamp-down on freedom of information legislation and the Greenbelt scandal as examples of Ford’s misconduct.

Progressive Conservatives quickly framed Stiles’ statements as a slide into “Trumpian-style” speech that was beyond the pale.

Ford called her remarks “unacceptable” and also invoked Trump. “She doesn’t have to apologize, whatever she wants to do,” said Ford. “But we aren’t going to lower ourselves to the Trump-style rhetoric she’s feeling right now.”

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Marion Nader, the CEO of Nexus Strategy Group, said Stiles’ comments employ a political strategy that is common. “Aggressive language is used, and it’s a calculated move to break through the noise and to get attention,” she said.

Stiles is attempting to rally her base and win over some Progressive Conservatives as it’s a moment when the Liberals are going up in the polls, but they do not have a leader, said Nader.

Jamie Ellerton, a principal at Conaptus, a communications agency, said Stiles has not succeeded in energizing her base with the prison comment.

“I actually think she went too far with what she was trying to say,” he said. “All it’s doing is eroding her credibility.”

What could be seen as successful are Stiles’ recent political advertisements that take her messaging back to its substance, rather than inflammatory comments, said Nader.

The backlash could continue to be an opportunity for Stiles, as each time her prison comment is brought up, she can bring up the scandals plaguing the Ford government, said Nader.