The race has begun; the die is cast, and a victor will emerge. The balance of power might shift as candidates battle for the political future of Ontario. Ontarians will decide the outcome as they head to the polls for the Ontario Provincial Election, which will take place on Feb. 27, with polling stations remaining open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
There are four candidates running for premier. The incumbent businessman and the leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives (PC) Doug Ford, is running for re-election, hoping to defend his position. Opposing Ford is Bonnie Crombie, former mayor of Mississauga and the leader of the Liberal Party. Also in contention is Marit Stiles, MPP for Davenport and leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party and Guelph’s MPP, is also in the race.
Each candidate aims to win support by addressing the issues most important to the people of Ontario, such as tariffs, economic policy, and affordable housing.
York Professor of Politics Jacqueline Krikorian agrees that Trump’s tariffs are a threat to Ontario. She states, “The imposition of tariffs on aluminium and steel are going to have a considerable impact on Ontario. And the threat of further tariffs [has] politicians at all levels of government focusing on the White House.” Thus, combating US tariffs has become a central theme in each candidate’s campaign.
The tariffs have been a key issue for Ford, who called this election in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canada. As quoted in The Guardian, Ford said, “The attack is coming against our families, our businesses, our communities, and with a strong mandate, we will be able to fight with Donald Trump.”
Regarding economic policy, both the Liberals and NDP plan to double disability support. Additionally, the NDP has plans to implement monthly grocery rebates, while the Greens pledge to raise the hourly minimum wage to $20.
On the issue of housing, the Progressive Conservatives plan to invest $2 billion into infrastructure, while the Liberals propose to eliminate land transfer taxes for those who are first-time buyers while also introducing rent control.
While these policies are important, they likely won’t decide the election’s outcome. York Political Science and Public Policy Professor Emeritus Robert Drummond stresses that “it is important to show that you have detailed proposals, but […] more important [is] to have a message about your general direction.” He emphasizes that voters are swayed by a clear, overarching vision rather than specific policy details.
Furthermore, it’s not just about the message, but also who that message resonates with. York Associate Professor of Public Policy Daniel Cohn explains: “You cannot be all things to all people. You have to choose whom you will appeal to.”
The candidate who clearly articulates a vision that resonates with voters, while effectively targeting key demographics, is most likely to prevail in this upcoming election. Regardless, the final decision rests with Ontarians, whose votes will chart the course for the province’s future.
