Ontario Leaders Debate Key Issues Before Election Day

With 10 days until the election day in Ontario, the four major party leaders came together for their final televised debate before the voters head to the polls. This prime-time spectacle, moderated by CBC journalist David Common at CBC’s Broadcast Centre in downtown Toronto, was an opportunity for the leaders to present their plans and defend their records.

Progressive Conservative (PC) Leader Doug Ford has been leading in the polls throughout this campaign, leveraging his re-election bid to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. His rivals, NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, and Green Leader Mike Schreiner, have sought to redirect the conversation toward provincial issues such as housing and health care, while also criticizing Ford’s snap election call.

Doug Ford on the Defensive

Not surprisingly, Ford faced rigorous criticism from his opponents. Bonnie Crombie often interrupted him, questioning his ability to “get things done,” which was his slogan in 2022. Ford’s leadership came under fire regarding health care funding, cost of living, and controversial projects like the redevelopment of Ontario Place and his proposed Highway 401 tunnel.

Crombie accused Ford of proposing a “fantasy tunnel,” while Ford accused Crombie of wanting to “tax people to death.” He also highlighted her economic record as Mayor of Mississauga.

The Tariff Threat

The debate began with the question, “What makes you the best leader to respond to the tariff threat?” Ford responded by emphasizing his commitment to protecting Ontario and expanding the economy.

In contrast, Stiles criticized Ford for “bad deals” and waste. Crombie focused on her campaign’s promise to provide family doctors and cut middle-class taxes. Schreiner argued that he prioritized people over self-interest and warned against Ford’s early election call.

Health Care: A Central Issue

Health care has been a focal point for Crombie, Stiles, and Schreiner. Rural ER shutdowns, long wait times, and the Ontario Medical Association’s estimate that 2.5 million Ontarians lack access to family doctors presented challenges for Ford.

Crombie accused Ford of not believing in public health care, citing his push for private clinics. Ford argued that his government has spent significantly on healthcare and reduced backlogged surgeries, pointing to his hiring of Jane Philpott, a former Liberal cabinet member, to redesign the primary care system.

Stiles criticized Ford’s wage-cap legislation on nurses, asserting that he needed to better compensate and recruit more nurses. The NDP also addressed Crombie with questions about receiving $25,000 in donations from private health care insiders. Crombie defended her actions but appealed to NDP voters to support her against the PCs.

The Greenbelt Controversy

Ford faced another question about his plans for the Greenbelt, a protected area under criminal investigation. He admitted to breaking his promise to refrain from building in the Greenbelt, but reassured voters that it wouldn’t happen again and apologized for the mistake.

Memorable Quotes

The debate produced several memorable moments and quotes:

“I’ll tell you, the economy would go down quicker than the Canadian bobsled downhill.” – Doug Ford regarding his opponents’ economic strategies.

“It tells you a lot about Doug. He doesn’t want to be accountable to the media or anyone else.” – Marit Stiles on Ford’s decision not to face questions from reporters post-debate.

“You were raised privileged with a silver spoon in your mouth, you didn’t have to work for anything.” – Bonnie Crombie mentioning Ford’s privileged background.

“Unfortunately in Ontario right now, the rich insiders are getting richer and the rest of us are just struggling to get by.” – Mike Schreiner highlighting income inequality.

As Ontarians prepare to cast their votes on February 27, the debate showcased differing visions for the province’s future, with health care, housing, and economic policies at the forefront of the discussion. Will voters be swayed by Ford’s promise to protect the province from Trump’s tariffs, or will they respond to the concerns raised by his opponents regarding provincial challenges? Only time will tell.

We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this pivotal debate and the upcoming election. Please leave your comments below or follow us on social media for more updates.

If you enjoyed this article, consider subscribing to Archynetys to receive the latest news and analysis directly to your inbox.