Different this time: Critics say Fords get off your A-S-S remarks are an escalation [Video]

Premier Doug Ford has rarely been shy in his view that people receiving state support like Ontario Works should be looking for “gainful employment” but comments he made on Monday, and repeated Tuesday, represent a shift in tone for some critics.

At an unrelated event in Coburg, Ont., on Monday, Ford held forth on his views about what people living in homeless encampments should do, and how they would be able to move on from precarious living situations.

“Get an application and drop it off (at) one of these companies and start working, you need to start working if you’re healthy — bottom line — if you’re unhealthy, I’ll take care of you the rest of my life, your life, we’ll take care of you,” the premier said.

“But if you’re healthy, get off your A-S-S and start working like everyone else is.”

Ford repeated the theme of his comments at …