TORONTO — The Ontario election campaign is heating up, with parties rolling out significant promises to capture voter support as the February 27 vote approaches. Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives, the New Democratic Party (NDP), the Liberals, and the Green Party each have laid out their top priorities and commitments during this snap election, aiming to address pressing issues facing the province.
On January 30, the Progressive Conservatives made headlines with their pledge centered around electric vehicles. They vowed to close deals with Stellantis and Volkswagen for battery plants, regardless of potential tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. "We are committed to keeping Ontario competitive on the electric vehicle front," Ford asserted, highlighting the importance of securing local manufacturing jobs.
Further emphasizing job security for Ontario workers, Ford announced plans for substantial investments aimed at mitigating the impact of U.S. tariffs, with $1 billion directed toward skills development for autoworkers poised to transition to other trades. An additional $100 million will support vulnerable workers affected by trade disputes. This response seems timely as the looming tariffs on Canadian goods could jeopardize local industries.
Another major infrastructure pledge by the Premier was brought forth during his announcement on February 1, where he committed $22 billion to upgrade and expand Ontario's infrastructure. Ford stated, "We're the only party putting shovels in the ground; this investment will create jobs and improve our roads and transit systems.” His plans include widening the Queen Elizabeth Way between Burlington and St. Catharines and enhancing various transit projects across the province.
While the Progressive Conservatives focus on infrastructure and electric vehicles, the NDP's promises target affordability. On January 27, NDP Leader Marit Stiles declared their intention to eliminate tolls on Highway 407, both on the government-owned section and the privately operated segment, named the 407 ETR. The NDP not only seeks to remove these costs but also plans to reacquire the privately owned portion of the highway.
The NDP’s promises extended to healthcare as well, with Stiles pledging to broaden access to family doctors. Their aim is to recruit thousands of new domestically and internationally trained doctors, ensuring every Ontarian has access to primary care within four years.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Liberals are reviving consumer rebates for electric vehicle purchases, encouraging uptake as sales have seen downturns recently. Their strategy aims to maintain Ontario’s foothold as the automotive sector transitions toward electrification.
Healthcare and public safety took center stage for the Liberals as well. On January 31, they announced plans to boost transit safety significantly by hiring 300 special constables and doubling the investment for mobile crisis intervention teams. Investment will also be made for safety equipment, such as cameras, and platform doors at all Toronto subway stations for enhanced rider protection.
Notably, the issue of policing is also on the agenda. During the campaign, Ford committed $1 billion to build a new police college, though details surrounding its location and timeline remain elusive. His announcement was made at the London Police Service Chief’s Gala, yet the community has expressed confusion over the specifics of this commitment, indicating the need for clarity from the Premier’s office.
While Ford enjoys endorsements from local mayors such as Jim Diodati of Niagara, opposition leaders like Stiles criticize his administration’s record, especially concerning the imminent tariffs from the U.S. Stiles called for provincial unity to effectively combat these trade issues, remarking, "Doug Ford quit his job on the eve of these tariffs to try and secure himself a third term; Ontario needs stronger leadership.”
Adding their voice to the dialogue, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner advocated for collaborative approaches to trade negotiations, emphasizing the need to remove interprovincial trade barriers and diversify Ontario’s economic partnerships.
The push for infrastructure investment has garnered public attention, and the Progressive Conservatives are capitalizing on this as part of their election strategy. Ford has juxtaposed his promises against the prospect of tariffs, stating, "If [Trump] wants to inflict pain on Ontario families, we will respond with everything we have.” This rhetoric signifies both urgency and strategic positioning by the party heading toward the election.
It’s clear the stakes are high for all parties as they vie for Ontario's votes, with differing approaches to economic resilience and future planning. The coming weeks will likely see more revealed promises from each party as they try to outmaneuver each other within Ontario’s competitive political climate.
With only weeks left until election day, Ontarians are preparing to weigh these promises against their experiences and expectations, holding the parties accountable for the visions they outline for the province's future.