Liberals launch 'Real Doug Ford' ad campaign ahead of election

Ontario's Liberals are launching their first campaign ad ahead of the spring election, saying it aims to reveal the "real Doug Ford."

The ad, which will air online, on television and radio starting Monday, says the Progressive Conservative leader would lower corporate taxes while rolling back minimum wage and cutting 40,000 public sector jobs.

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Senior campaign officials say they want to highlight how a Ford government would affect Ontario residents rather than simply focusing on his personality — though future ads will feature controversial statements the Tory leader has made in the past.

Liberal campaign co-chair Deb Matthews says the party's research has shown many voters don't know much about Ford, a newcomer to provincial politics.

She says the former Toronto city councillor has made a point to avoid scrutiny and has publicly said little about his plans for the province.

Ford's campaign has not committed to releasing a fully costed platform ahead of the June 7 vote, as he had initially promised, saying only that he would present his policy priorities.