Project Ontario passes the hat

And Queen's Park remembers

ABOVE THE FOLD

Remember that splinter group of Conservatives saying DOUG FORD has gone soft? Well, they’re passing the hat — and the Premier’s inner circle is not impressed.

The breakaway Tory think-tank that insists Ford isn’t conservative enough is now officially soliciting donations.

It’s not a shocker for devoted readers (spokesman MATT SPOKE told me this was coming during our earlier interview), but it’s bound to ruffle feathers at PC HQ.

People in the Premier’s orbit have been quietly — and not so quietly — dunking on the fledgling group, including in this newsletter, with some even warning supporters to steer clear of its events. Ford himself has waved them off as “right-wing radicals” with questionable motives — but Project Ontario insists they’re not gunning for his job, just trying to spark a conversation and nudge policy to the right.

Now, after their first in-person event, they’re clearly feeling galvanized — planning more meetups, pitching op-eds, and yes, asking for cash. …