In 1911, Ferguson argued in the legislature that "no language other than English should be used as a medium of instruction in the schools of this Province," despite the fact that a significant proportion of the population was French-Canadian. Sectarian politics was still rife in Ontario and the Conservatives relied on a base of Orange support which Ferguson was prepared to pander to by anti-Catholic and anti-French rhetoric. In 1912, the Ontario government passed Regulation 17 which restricted the use of French language instruction to a minimum - legislation that outraged Quebec and was an irritant to national unity during the First World War. When became Premier he reversed himself by moderating the legislation and allowing more French language instruction. The government, however, refused to extend funding for the Catholic Separate school system past grade eight.

The Ferguson government, eager for new tax revenue, also held a plebiscite to soften the province's temperance laws and Ferguson's government responded to a slim majority against prohibition by permitting the sale of beer with an alcohol content of no more than 4.4%. Then, in 1927, the government introduced legislation to establish the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and allow the sale of alcohol by government owned and operated liquor stores.

The Tories remained hostile to labour and immigrants and were not prepared to provide social relief when the Great Depression threw thousands out of work and into poverty. Nor did the Ferguson government support federal plans for an old age pension.

In December 1930, Premier Ferguson left provincial politics to accept an appointment as Canadian High Commissioner in London. He was succeeded as party leader and Premier by George Stewart Henry.

Preceded by: Ernest C. Drury

List of Ontario premiers

Succeeded by: George Stewart Henry