Beyond the podiums and photo ops: Who are the party leaders?
Two platform launches and a debate—week two of the Ontario election campaign was jam-packed with policy announcements and trips down memory lane.
The week started with a debate in northern Ontario, in which the four major party leaders sparred over highways, housing and taxes. While each participant took time to talk about what they would do if elected premier, a lot of energy was spent talking about how each government has failed when given the opportunity to be in power.
In episode two of Ballot Box, the team breaks down what you need to know from the policy-heavy week. Here's the breakdown:
- Leaders Doug Ford, Andrea Horwath, Steven Del Duca and Mike Schreiner all took part in a debate in North Bay.
- The Liberals released their election platform, which included putting an end to for-profit long-term care, introducing a new income tax and scrapping Highway 413.
- The Green Party released their fully-costed election platform shortly later, committing to a plan to reach net zero by 2045 while also ending homelessness in Ontario and enacting sweeping electoral reform.
A number of candidates also faced criticism, and in some cases dismissal, after controversial incidents were dug up.
Stephen Lecce, the PC candidate for King-Vaughan, apologized this week for a 2006 fraternity incident in which donors could hire members as "slaves" as part of a charity fundraiser. Party leader Doug Ford reaffirmed that Lecce would remain on the ballot, saying he believes the candidate is truly "sorry" about participating in the event.
Meanwhile, a number of Liberal candidates have been dropped from the roster hours before the deadline. Alec Mazurek, the former Liberal candidate for Chatham-Kent-Leamington, was terminated as a candidate Thursday after Facebook comments were brought to light in which a slur for gay people was used.
The candidate for Parry Sound-Muskoka was also dropped from the Liberal Party amid allegations that a book he self-published detailed scientifically baseless views on homosexuality.
The candidate in Sault Ste. Marie was removed following claims the teen participated in online discussions in which people joked about "dying of AIDS." The candidate has told local media he did not actually make any of those comments on the discussion board.
WHO ARE THE PARTY LEADERS?
The CTV News Toronto digital team spoke with three of the four Ontario party leaders about their priorities and promises. PC Leader Doug Ford declined multiple requests for an interview.
The full interviews can be found here:
• Mike Schreiner (coming Saturday)
Ballot Box is your one-stop shop for news from the campaign trail, breaking down the promises, politics and punches thrown during the week. The podcast airs every Friday on the iHeart radio app before becoming available on other streaming platforms.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.