Well, folks, it’s that time again! Ontario is geared up for an election, and this one is a year early. Why, you ask? Well, our dear Premier Doug Ford has decided he “wants a strong mandate” to govern, especially with the looming threats of tariffs from Trump. But was it really necessary to call an election? Personally, I don’t think so, but here we are, ready or not!
The Leaders’ Debate: Same old, same old
Did you catch the leaders’ debate on CBC last night? If you didn’t, don’t worry—you didn’t miss much! It was like watching a sitcom where the punchlines fell flat. Doug Ford was busy making promises that he somehow couldn’t deliver over the last seven years. Bonnie Crombie, the Liberal leader, shared a charming story about how she lied about her age to get her first retail job at 14—because who doesn’t love a little honesty in politics? Marit Stiles from the NDP was promising to reduce taxes while simultaneously spending more money than we have—classic! And Mike Schreiner from the Green Party? He mostly agreed with the other liberal candidates, which was about as exciting as watching paint dry.
The Missing Voices
What’s even more interesting is who wasn’t at the debate. You guessed it—21 other parties and a handful of independents! Yes, you heard that right. While the big names were hogging the spotlight, smaller parties like the New Blue Party – Jim Karahalios (running 108 candidates) and the Ontario Party – Derek Sloan (44 candidates) were left in the shadows. Only the Greens and the PCs have a full slate of candidates, which is a bit concerning. There are a total of 768 candidates (at the time of this post) across the province vying for one of the 124 seats up for grabs.
Why This Matters
Now, why am I rambling on about this election? Well, if you know me, you know I’ve been involved in various election campaigns for over 20 years. Although I’m not actively involved this time, I believe it’s crucial for everyone to be aware of their options. I encourage all eligible voters to research their candidates and see if their values align. Forget about the party leaders for a moment—choose a candidate who truly represents you!
It’s high time we shake up the status quo. Party politics have dominated for too long, and nothing will change unless we, the people, take action. You don’t have to vote for the “main” parties; in fact, the more we support smaller parties, the more change we can see. Remember, there should never be just one individual running the show—local voices matter!
So, mark your calendars for February 27, 2025! Get out there and make your voice heard. Whether you choose to support a local candidate or get involved with a party, grassroots movements are where real change begins. Let’s not just sit back and watch the political circus unfold—let’s be part of the show!
In the end, regardless of how you vote, just make sure you do it. Your vote is your voice, and it deserves to be heard loud and clear!
Click here to find out more about the parties, their leaders and candidates running.
Also you can go to Elections Ontario for Voter and Candidate information (Advance Voting is from February 20 to 22. Election day is February 27.
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