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As Ontario approaches a significant moment in its governance, it finds itself immersed in the midst of a snap election, marking a pivotal point for voters across the province.
Over the course of the past month, prominent political figures have been traversing the province, fervently seeking public support. Among them are Doug Ford, the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and the sitting premier for nearly seven years; Bonnie Crombie, leading the Liberal Party; Marit Stiles from the NDP; and Mike Schreiner representing the Green Party.
Doug Ford initiated this unexpected election at the end of January, citing potential U.S. tariff threats as a catalyst for seeking a renewed and stronger mandate beyond his party’s existing representation of 79 seats. This decision has sparked Ontario’s first winter election since 1883, incurring an estimated cost of around $189 million and prompting his opponents to reevaluate their strategies.
The Liberal campaign, under Crombie, has focused primarily on healthcare, emphasizing a commitment to connect residents across Ontario with family doctors. Meanwhile, Stiles and the NDP have prioritized affordability issues, pledging to introduce a grocery rebate as part of their platform. Schreiner has strategically concentrated his efforts in select constituencies where the Green Party believes it can expand its presence.
At the outset of the campaign, a poll conducted by Ipsos Global Affairs for Global News revealed Ford with a significant lead, showcasing a 26-point margin over both the NDP and Liberals. The Progressive Conservatives polled at 50 percent, while the Liberals garnered 24 percent, the NDP received 20 percent, and the Greens were at six percent.
The electoral contest has struggled to capture widespread attention, overshadowed by a variety of pressing news events, including developments surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump and bilateral relations with the United States. Notably, even the anticipated leaders’ debate was largely eclipsed by a high-profile plane crash at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
In the words of Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos polling, “This is perhaps the quietest election I’ve witnessed in many years in a major area. It feels as though it is not generating much buzz or public awareness.” Concerns are now emerging about potentially low turnout rates, especially considering that advanced voting has decreased by 36 percent compared to the last provincial election in 2022, which currently holds the record for the lowest voter participation in Ontario’s history at only 44 percent.
Throughout the campaign, all major parties have encountered various challenges. Ford made two trips to Washington, D.C. during the election period, fulfilling his roles as both Party leader and Premier. These trips prompted his opponents to lodge complaints with Elections Ontario and the integrity commissioner over a promotional commercial produced using partially taxpayer-funded resources.
On the Liberal side, the party has had to navigate a barrage of old social media posts resurfacing, often used by the PC war room to undermine candidates. Although Crombie defended her candidates, affirming that many posts were outdated, the party did suspend its Oshawa candidate due to controversial remarks glorifying a historical figure’s assassination. Additionally, another Liberal candidate in Windsor stepped aside for undisclosed reasons.
The NDP faced similar setbacks, with one candidate withdrawing amid tight competition, asserting that only the Liberals stood a chance against the Progressive Conservatives in that district, while another resigned after controversial remarks about her identity came to light.
As the campaign neared its conclusion, a subsequent Ipsos poll revealed that Ford maintained his lead, with the Progressive Conservatives at 48 percent, the Liberals at 28 percent, the NDP at 16 percent, and the Greens at eight percent.
In the final stretch of this electoral race, party leaders have intensified their campaign efforts, focusing particularly on areas in western Ontario like Kitchener, Niagara, and Windsor for the NDP and Conservatives. Meanwhile, the Liberals have concentrated their outreach in urban centers such as downtown Toronto, Ottawa, and surrounding regions, while the Greens have reaffirmed their commitment to locales like Kitchener, Guelph and Parry Sound-Muskoka.
Polling stations are set to open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., as voters prepare to make their voices heard in what promises to be a defining election for Ontario.
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globalnews.ca