Ontario is gearing up for its provincial election scheduled for February 27, 2025. With various candidates vying for positions across the province, the election promises to address pressing concerns, particularly around housing affordability.
St. Catharines, located within the Golden Horseshoe, is currently represented by Ontario NDP MPP Jennie Stevens, who first took office after the 2018 election with 39.71% of the votes. Stevens garnered 17,128 votes, and her stewardship will be tested again as voters head to the polls. Meanwhile, her challengers include Sal Sorrento from the PC Party of Ontario, Robin McPherson from the Ontario Liberal Party, and Green Party's Stephen Vincelette-Smith. The stakes are high for Stevens as voters evaluate whether she has adequately addressed their needs over the past term.
Thornhill, another key riding located within the Greater Toronto Area, is currently held by PC Party of Ontario’s Laura Smith. After capturing 53.28% of the vote and 18,395 votes during the 2022 provincial elections, Smith aims for re-election. Her opponents include NDP's Faiz Qureshi and Ontario Liberal Party's Ben Dooley. The question remains whether Smith can sustain her momentum or if the changing sentiments among constituents will sway the outcome.
Housing affordability is at the forefront of voter concerns, according to recent polling data from Royal LePage, which indicates 69% of Ontarians will factor housing proposals heavily when casting their votes. This figure rises to 75% among millennials, highlighting a generational urgency for effective housing policy. “With affordability challenges reaching a crisis level, it’s clear voters, especially younger Canadians, are prioritizing housing policies as they head to the polls,” stated Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage.
Housing has become such a prominent issue, it has spurred protests organized by anti-poverty group Acorn, pushing rent control onto the election agenda. The organization condemns the current non-existent rent controls imposed by the Ford government since 2018. Activists argue these regulations have led to rampant rent increases and widespread displacement of renters. Jordan Smith, representing Acorn's London chapter, expressed deep concern, stating, “Every single affordable home is at risk right now without effective rent control in Ontario.”
On March 6, Liberal candidate Tariq Khan participated actively during these protests, voicing his unequivocal support for rent controls. “You 1,000 per cent have my support for rent controls,” he proclaimed at one rally, demonstrating the Liberal stance on this contentious issue. This push aligns with many voters longing for more predictable housing costs and protections against evictions.
Meanwhile, incumbent MPP Dave Smith, relied on community engagement to bolster his campaign. Hosting Q&A sessions at local retirement residences, Smith reflected on his contributions as both meaningful and necessary. “My whole philosophy on this is I owe a debt to the people of Ontario. The only way I can start to give back is to continue doing this work,” he emphasized. Smith has been proactive since his election, recently announcing plans for a $6.2 million Homeless Addiction Rehabilitation Treatment (HART) hub to tackle substance abuse and homelessness within Peterborough.
The election also sees many parties debating transparency of their promises, particularly around fiscal policies. For example, polling expert Brian Lewis critiqued the major parties, assigning grades based on their clarity about budget impacts. The report highlighted how the Green Party was praised for its detailed platform, unlike others who faced scrutiny for vague balance sheets. This is particularly relevant as taxpayers demand accountability during these financially uncertain times, especially when promises can run well over $40 billion, as claimed by Premier Doug Ford.
The political climate is fraught with uncertainty, and it's evident from the run-up to the February 27 election, parties will need to ground their platforms within fiscal reality and genuinely address voter concerns on pressing issues, particularly around housing and healthcare.
For now, the spotlight remains fixed on who will emerge victorious from this brewing political storm, and how their policies will shape the future quality of life for all Ontarians.