Doug Ford visited his cottage during Easter despite his own guidance

As Easter weekend approached, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told Ontarians, "There’s no one that loves the cottage more than I do, but I’m not going to my cottage, Please, this long weekend, do not go to your cottage. We can’t stress that enough."

But on Friday, the premier’s office admitted that Ford did not follow his own guidance. Ivana Yelich, Ford’s spokesperson said, “On the morning of Easter Sunday, the premier drove alone to his family property up north to check on the plumbing as the property is under construction and has been over the past two years.”

Yelich clarified that Ford was only at the cottage for “less than an hour” at 6 am, was “alone in his truck” and did not interact with anyone during the brief visit.

Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynn criticized Ford on Toronto radio for muddying the message. "He shouldn’t have gone to the cottage and Trudeau shouldn’t have gone to the cottage," said Wynne.

There has been widespread condemnation of Justin Trudeau for spending the Easter weekend with his family at his Harrington Lake cottage.

On Thursday, Ford advised cottage-goers to exercise restraint over the May long weekend if they decide to visit their cottages.

"This isn't gonna be the typical May the 24th weekend. I'm asking you, please, don't bring a whole pack of people up. It's not the party weekend that it's been in the past. Go up there, check things out, try to bring your own home supplies up there," urged Ford, adding that it would be acceptable for those to go check on their property.