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As Ontario’s election campaign intensifies, three days of advance voting began today, marking a pivotal moment in the political race. Several key developments have unfolded as party leaders continue to make their pitch to voters.
The NDP was thrown into turmoil after their candidate for Elgin-Middlesex-London, Amanda Zavitz, resigned from the race following backlash over controversial comments she made during a 2024 presentation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. In an audio clip shared by the Progressive Conservative Party, Zavitz was heard saying, “My secret is that I want to be a Black woman” and discussing how she wanted to “share my ideas without the barrier of looking the way I do.” The comments quickly sparked outrage, and Zavitz issued a public apology, stating that her remarks were part of an exercise aimed at addressing biases. NDP Leader Marit Stiles called the comments “deeply concerning” and confirmed that the party had immediately reached out to Zavitz. By Thursday afternoon, Zavitz stepped down from her candidacy, explaining that her past comments were distracting from the crucial task of defeating Premier Doug Ford and electing an NDP government. Her election webpage was also taken down.
Meanwhile, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie made a significant announcement regarding healthcare. During a speech at The Canadian Club in Toronto, Crombie unveiled her plan to provide universal mental health coverage under OHIP, which would cover conditions such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Crombie, who became emotional as she shared a personal story about her father’s struggles with addiction and mental health, emphasized that mental health is just as important as physical health. She said her plan would provide more accessible mental health services for children and youth. While the plan is a major part of the Liberals’ platform, Crombie did not provide specific details on the cost of the proposal, though she assured that it would be funded through Ontario’s economic growth.
On the other side of the political spectrum, Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner made an important announcement focused on renters’ rights. In a campaign stop in Kitchener, Schreiner outlined his party’s plan to protect renters by expanding rent control to all buildings, including those built after 2018. Additionally, he promised to reform the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to reduce wait times and safeguard both tenants and landlords from bad actors. Schreiner also proposed a moratorium on above-guideline rent increases and stricter penalties for renovictions and bad faith evictions. His platform includes reinstating vacancy control, which would limit rent increases between tenancies, to further protect renters from being priced out of their homes.
Premier Doug Ford, the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, also made campaign stops in Milton, where he was joined by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. The two leaders shook hands with workers at a local manufacturing facility, under the banner “Protecting Canada,” a twist on Ford’s usual campaign slogan, “Protecting Ontario.” Ford, however, faced tough questions about remarks he made at a police gala, where he suggested support for bringing back the death penalty. Ford has since claimed that his comments were intended as a joke. Yet, as the controversy grew, Ford reiterated his frustration with what he sees as lax bail rules, stating that repeat offenders often re-offend shortly after being released from custody. His comments have sparked criticism, with some questioning whether his words were truly meant as a joke.
As the election campaign progresses and more issues come to the forefront, all eyes are on the candidates’ plans for the future of Ontario. With the start of advance voting, the political atmosphere has become charged with new controversies, promises, and the inevitable scrutiny that comes with the high stakes of an election.
