Ontario Election Debates – Replay

Posted on by Anthony Quinn

Ontario Party Leaders Debate Key Issues for Seniors in First Election Debate

Feb 14th, Northern Ontario Debate

 

Feb 17th, 2nd Debate

On February 14, 2025, Ontario’s four major party leaders—Doug Ford (Progressive Conservative), Marit Stiles (NDP), Bonnie Crombie (Liberal), and Mike Schreiner (Green Party)—faced off in the first debate of the Ontario provincial election. With issues critical to Ontario seniors on the table, the debate highlighted healthcare, housing, cost of living, municipal responsibilities, and economic development—topics of significant importance to CARP members.

Healthcare: A Focus for All Parties

  • Bonnie Crombie (Liberal) pledged that every Ontarian would have access to a family doctor within four years, committing to the hiring of 3,100 new doctors and expanding mentoring programs for retiring doctors. Her plan also includes investing $3 billion to improve healthcare access.

  • Marit Stiles (NDP) proposed hiring 350 doctors in Northern Ontario and creating a healthcare coordination center to improve services in the region.

  • Doug Ford (Conservative) emphasized a massive investment of $3.8 billion in mental health and addiction support, including hiring 15,000 doctors and 100,000 new nurses. He also vowed to shut down drug injection sites near schools and daycare centers.

  • Mike Schreiner (Green Party) proposed ending hallway medicine and investing $2 billion in mental health and addiction treatment. He also committed to building 60,000 permanent supportive housing units that include wraparound services for mental health and addiction.

Mental Health & Addiction

  • Liberals and NDP leaders both supported the reform of the Mental Health Act to recognize addiction as a disorder.
  • The Conservatives focused on new “hard hubs” offering detox services and job training, with a significant $3.8 billion in mental health investments.
  • Greens committed to a non-criminal approach to addiction, advocating for 60,000 supportive housing units with integrated mental health and addiction services.

Affordable Housing & Social Housing

  • Liberals proposed cutting development charges to lower building costs, offering a new Better Communities Fund for municipalities, and removing the land transfer tax for seniors and first-time homebuyers.
  • NDP pledged to build 1.5 million affordable homes, including 60,000 supportive housing units over the next decade, using Ontario’s own lumber industry.
  • Conservatives touted investments in homelessness and a plan to build 160,000 new homes, as well as initiatives to reduce red tape for housing construction.
  • Greens advocated for removing development fees and restrictions on building fourplexes, promoting generational fairness in housing.

Cost of Living Relief

  • Liberals promised 40,000 new job opportunities for youth through apprenticeships and co-op programs.
  • NDP proposed a monthly grocery rebate, along with other cost-reduction strategies.
  • Conservatives emphasized lowering taxes, particularly opposing the carbon tax, to help Ontarians manage living costs.
  • Greens pledged to lower taxes for individuals earning under $65,000 and families under $100,000, putting $1,700 back into people’s pockets.

Municipal Responsibilities & Funding

  • Liberals focused on sustainable municipal funding and pledged to double Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments.
  • NDP proposed a new deal where the province would take responsibility for services previously downloaded to municipalities, including mental health and road maintenance.
  • Conservatives highlighted economic development plans for Northern Ontario, particularly the Ring of Fire mining project.
  • Greens committed to $28 billion in dedicated funding over the next four years to support municipal infrastructure, housing, and public services.

Infrastructure and Economic Growth

  • Liberals plan to diversify supply chains and invest in skilled labor for new industries.
  • NDP proposed a “Buy Ontario, Build Ontario” campaign to support local industries.
  • Conservatives emphasized unlocking the potential of the Ring of Fire as a critical economic driver, along with plans to invest in forestry and other industries.
  • Greens focused on modernizing the forestry sector with timber construction and biomass energy, preparing workers for the green economy.

CARP’s Advocacy for Seniors

As Ontario heads into election season, CARP is committed to advocating for seniors’ issues at every level. From healthcare to affordable housing, the leaders’ positions will directly impact the lives of Ontario’s seniors. As we continue to push for improved healthcare access, financial security, and protections against ageism, we encourage all Ontarians to stay engaged, research the platforms, and ensure their voices are heard in this crucial election.

Stay tuned for more updates on the parties’ platforms and CARP’s ongoing work to ensure a fairer, more supportive Ontario for all seniors.