The Ontario provincial election set for February 27, 2025, has garnered significant attention as candidates from various political parties vie for their chance to represent their communities. With issues ranging from affordability to government transparency at the forefront, the elections have sparked discussions among voters about their concerns and the available choices on the ballot.
One of the notable resignations from the election is Amanda Zavitz, the NDP candidate for Elgin-Middlesex-London. Zavitz made headlines after being recorded at a United Nations event expressing her desire to "be a Black woman" and to have lived experiences of poverty and addiction. Following backlash, including the release of the video by the Progressive Conservative Party, Zavitz released a statement acknowledging the harm caused by her remarks. Initially apologizing and not resigning immediately, less than 24 hours later, she announced her withdrawal from the campaign. "After reflection and discussion with my community, I have decided to resign as the Ontario NDP candidate for the upcoming election," she expressed on Facebook, stating her comments were distracting from the primary goal of electing the NDP and defeating Doug Ford.
On another front, Sean Conroy, representing the Ontario Libertarian Party, is running to be the voice for the everyday citizen. Conroy criticized major parties for being out of touch and has expressed frustrations over the overwhelming affordability crisis, which affects all demographics. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in lower income, middle income or higher income; everybody has the same concerns,” Conroy pointed out. His campaign focuses on fulfilling constituents' needs and increasing government transparency, especially when addressing issues related to healthcare and education. He believes significant reforms are necessary to remove waste and bureaucratic bloat to improve service delivery.
Meanwhile, the riding of Perth-Wellington is hosting a competitive race as multiple candidates look to unseat the incumbent, Matthew Rae from the Progressive Conservative party. Rae, having won his seat during the 2022 elections, is now facing off against candidates from different parties including Jason Davis of the NDP, Ashley Fox of the Liberals, and more. Each candidate brings unique backgrounds to the election, with several having experience from previous provincial or municipal elections.
For those who prefer to stay engaged with the political process, several community meetings are being organized, including one set for February 20, hosted by the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area (DMBIA). Although notable absentees such as PC candidate Zee Hamid will not be at the meeting, the event promotes transparency and open dialogue between candidates and constituents. Hamid’s campaign indicated he would be prioritizing door-to-door engagement instead of attending public debates.
Voting eligibility for the provincial election is set; individuals must be at least 18 years old, Canadian citizens, and residents of Ontario. To vote, citizens must register and provide acceptable forms of identification. While some may receive voter information cards through the mail, others can still cast their votes by providing valid ID at polling stations. The advance voting period opens from February 20 to February 22, giving constituents early access to the polls.
Voters are also encouraged to utilize the Elections Ontario app, which assists with locating polling information, voting reminders, and details on candidates. Information about the elections can also be found on the Elections Ontario website, which is continually updated with relevant dates and voting options.
With the election day quickly approaching, the diverse array of candidates and their platforms highlights the importance of voter engagement and informed decision-making. Whether voters resonate with the messages of the Libertarian Party, the NDP, or other parties, they are urged to participate actively and make their voices heard at the polls this February.