With the Ontario provincial election approaching on February 27, 2025, the political landscape has experienced notable shifts over the past month. Premier Doug Ford’s decision to call an early election, primarily to address the economic threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, has significantly influenced party dynamics and voter sentiments.
Evolving Party Popularity
Recent polls indicate a fluctuating yet substantial lead for Ford’s Progressive Conservative (PC) Party. A survey conducted by Leger from February 14 to 17 shows the PCs at 48%, leading the Ontario Liberal Party (28%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (16%), and the Green Party (5%) Leger 360.
This represents a slight increase from earlier in the month, where the PCs held 47% Abacus Data. Notably, the Liberals have seen a modest rise, while the NDP’s support has slightly declined.
Impact of Recent Debates
The election debates have played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. The first debate, focusing on northern issues, saw opposition leaders challenging Ford’s record on housing and infrastructure. NDP Leader Marit Stiles questioned the fulfillment of housing promises, highlighting a 16% decrease in housing starts in 2024 compared to the previous year CityNews Kitchener.
In the subsequent debate, affordability and economic resilience dominated discussions. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner directly addressed Ford on the adequacy of support for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the need for increased assistance medicinehatnews.com.
These debates have intensified scrutiny of the PC government’s policies, potentially influencing voter perspectives.
Key Party Platforms
- Progressive Conservative Party: Emphasizes economic stability and infrastructure development. Ford has pledged to make permanent the temporary tax cuts on gas and diesel and to remove tolls from certain highways to alleviate transportation costs – CP24.
- Ontario Liberal Party: Led by Bonnie Crombie, the Liberals propose doubling payments under the Ontario Disability Support Program and implementing income tax cuts, aiming to address affordability and healthcare access – medicinehatnews.com.
- New Democratic Party: Marit Stiles focuses on housing and social support, advocating for the creation of 60,000 new supportive housing units and the reinstatement of rent control to combat homelessness and housing insecurity – CityNews Kitchener.
- Green Party: Mike Schreiner emphasizes environmental sustainability and social equity, proposing the protection of green spaces and increased support for individuals with disabilities – medicinehatnews.com.
Campaign Highlights and Controversies
The campaign has been marked by significant events influencing voter sentiment:
- Early Election Call: Ford’s decision to call an early election has been contentious. While he argues it’s necessary to secure a mandate to combat potential U.S. tariffs, opposition leaders view it as a strategic move to capitalize on favorable polling and divert attention from ongoing investigations, such as the RCMP’s probe into the Greenbelt land swap controversy – The Guardian.
- Debate on Environmental Policies: Environmental advocates have expressed disappointment over the limited discussion on climate action during the debates. Despite pressing environmental concerns, leaders have focused more on criticizing existing policies than proposing comprehensive solutions – National Observer.
Let us know if you are planning to vote, and which issues impact your choices.
