Voters in Ontario are preparing to head to the polls for the 2025 Provincial Election, marked by unusual circumstances and low engagement rates. The election, set to take place on February 27, 2025, has drawn attention for its brevity and the pressing economic conditions facing Canadians.
With just four weeks of campaigning since its announcement on January 28, the upcoming vote has been overshadowed by the challenges opposition parties face, including low candidate representation across several ridings. According to University of Windsor political scientist Lydia Miljan, the responsibility for mobilizing voter turnout typically falls on political parties. Yet this time, many opposition parties were found flat-footed, leading to fewer candidates and discouraging voter participation.
This year’s election occurs against the backdrop of pressing economic issues, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats against Ontario’s economy. Doug Ford, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, has explicitly positioned himself as the candidate best equipped to manage these external threats. "I want to be premier forever," Ford declared, seeking to secure his third consecutive majority government and push back against the notion of Ontario as Trump’s potential "51st state," with tariffs threatening the province's economy.
Despite high stakes, voter engagement has been muted, as reflected by the dismal advance poll turnout. Only 6.14 percent of registered voters participated, well below previous elections, with notable numbers reported from Windsor and Essex County. Voters expressed frustration over barriers to casting their ballots, especially during the winter months when the cold weather can deter individuals from heading out to vote. Miljan noted, "It’s easier to canvass in June. It’s obviously easier to vote,” reflecting the multiple obstacles voters face during a winter election.
Ford’s opponents are striving to rally support by tackling core issues such as health care and housing. Bonnie Crombie, the Liberal leader, has made significant health care reforms central to her campaign, promising access to family doctors for all Ontarians. She asserted, "If you want change and you want a family doctor, we have to change the government," highlighting the perceived failures of Ford’s administration. Crombie is seeking to leverage dissatisfaction with existing health care services to swing voters her way.
On the other side, NDP leader Marit Stiles aims to distinguish her party as the primary alternative. Stiles criticized the Liberals’ attempts to woo NDP supporters, stating, "The Liberals are telling you they are entitled to your vote," framing the NDP as the true vanguard of change against rising living costs and affordability issues. Both the NDP and the Liberals propose ambitious agendas, intending to address the health care crisis and housing shortages, but their messaging and strategies may play out differently against Ford's aggressive campaign style.
Across the board, major parties have outlined substantial platforms, with health care being at the forefront. Ford has pledged to invest $1.8 billion to connect two million more Ontarians to primary care, and other initiatives aim to support thousands of new doctors entering the workforce. The NDP promises $4.1 billion to secure universal access to primary care, focusing on hiring and retaining qualified medical professionals. Meanwhile, the Liberals aim to recruit over 3,000 family doctors and address systemic failures through comprehensive reforms.
Housing policy has taken center stage as well, with the need for affordable options becoming urgent. Each major party has presented divergent strategies, from the Progressive Conservatives’ promise of innovative home building and infrastructure funding to the NDP's commitment to end loopholes exempting certain rental units from rent control and to build 300,000 affordable rental homes.
Meanwhile, voters have shown apprehension about the election's pace and challenges brought by the snap election format, as many feel unprepared or unaware of the process. There’s palpable concern about turnout rates falling even lower than the historic lows of the last provincial election, where only 43.5 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots. Miljan's insights reveal widespread uncertainty; she highlighted the climate of confusion stemming from the quick campaign period and the impacts of competition from federal political events distracting voters’ attention.
Frustration over voter participation is compounded by logistical challenges related to casting ballots. Ontarians should keep their voter information cards handy, which detail where and how to vote. The process can be straightforward for those who are informed, but confusion remains prevalent among those who lack complete information about the voting process.
The significance of this election for the future leadership of Ontario cannot be overstated. With parties promising varying approaches to confronting the realities of life for many Ontarians—be it through health care reform, addressing housing shortages, or coping with rising costs—voter engagement will prove pivotal. Ontarians have the power to shape their government during these challenging times, but it remains to be seen whether they will heed the call and participate fully. A compelling call to action for every eligible voter, underscoring the responsibility of democracy, awaits as polls open on February 27.