BREAKING: Doug Ford speaks out on greedy landlords, tells them to ‘have a heart’

When asked about commercial evictions during the coronavirus crisis, Ontario Premier Doug Ford had a few choice words for landlords who are evicting their tenants, "You know what drives me crazy? I can't stand these vicious landlords. You've got to protect the little guy all the time, they're struggling. I just wish they could hang in there for a couple of months. It's not going to be the end of the world. Protect the small businesses, and tell all the big landlords out there have a heart," Ford said.

"I'm pleading with landlords, be flexible," he said. "You're getting 75 percent of the rent. Things could be a lot worse. like I said, you could have zero percent. Help someone out, give them a break. And work with them for the next few months."

"It's not like a lineup of tenants waiting to get into their businesses or their buildings, it's just not happening."

"Hang in there, work with them for 25 percent. Be a good landlord; support them," he said.

Ford said that he understands the difficulties that Ontarians are facing, and that he's proud of their efforts. He encouraged citizens to "stay active and motivated."

One of the ways he's staying active, he noted, is by baking. Ford released a video earlier today of his own pastime, making a cherry cheesecake. "Baking is a great way to relieve some stress," he said.

Ontarians, however, are noticing shortages at markets. "I know that people out there are seeing some shortages, from flour, yeast, and sugar, to disinfectant wipes and toilet paper. I know these shortages are top of mind for many folks out there, and I want you to know that they're top of mine for me too."

He had a phone call earlier today with suppliers, and said that the supply chains remain strong and that there are "more than enough of these essential products in the system," but that it is important that everyone buy only what they need.

Farmers are struggling, and Ford said that he, Trudeau, agriculture minister Ernie Hardeman, and federal counterparts would be working together to ensure that farmers have what they need to continue to provide for the province and the nation.

Ford addressed concerns from parents about schooling and childcare in the face of a desire to go back to work. "Number one priority, I've always believed is your family, family comes first." He did not have any news, but noted that there would be some in the future.

With regard to babysitters and childcare, he said people should maintain social distancing "to the best of their ability."

"There's a lot of things that just aren't fair," Ford noted, saying that malls would not be yet opening during the phase 1 reopening of the province.