Zingers and punchlines: Breaking down what happened this week on the Ontario campaign trail
The four major Ontario party leaders took part in their second, and final, election debate this week.
Voters were given an opportunity to see these potential premiers talk about health care, the economy, education and leadership—but it was the one-line zingers and punchlines that showed viewers what they can expect after election day.
On this week's episode of Ballot Box, the team gives you the debate highlights and brings in some experts to talk about candidates' strategies moving forward. Here's the breakdown:
- Two of Ontario’s four main party leaders tested positive for COVID-19
- Leaders Doug Ford, Andrea Horwath, Steven Del Duca and Mike Schreiner all took part in the official election debate Monday night. Here are the top 6 moments to watch
- A new poll shows the Progressive Conservatives maintaining their lead while the NDP slips to third place
- Experts weigh in on why Ford has shied away from the media this election cycle
- NDP changes ODSP campaign pledge and adds removing tolls for truckers on Highway 407 to their promises
- Del Duca google searches skyrocket
- Hazel McCallion endorses Doug Ford for premier
With the debate now over, what happens next? CTV News Toronto's Queen's Park reporter Siobhan Morris joins Ballot Box this week to talk about what voters can expect in the remaining week and a half before election day.
"I think what you'll start to see now is based on the debate and the reaction that people had to the leaders and their ideas on offer is really fine tuning the messages for ridings that now parties think that they can win or that they're afraid they might lose," Morris said.
CTV News Toronto also has a breakdown of who the voters are in Ontario, outlining how they cast their ballots in 2018 and what issues may be top of mind on June 2.
To view the map, click here.
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
NEW | Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.

Climate goals may be at odds with G7 response to fallout from Russian invasion
G7 leaders opened their summit Sunday with a discussion about shaping the global economy at a time when conflict and unrest are driving up prices and access to key goods around the world.
Protesters at U.S. Supreme Court decry abortion ruling overturning Roe v. Wade
Hundreds of protesters descended on the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday to denounce the justice's decision to overturn the half-century-old Roe v. Wade precedent that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion.
NEW | Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.
From closures to near-normal routines, students look back on COVID-warped school year
The final bell is about to ring at the end of a topsy-turvy school year warped by the COVID-19 crisis and students are reflecting on how the pandemic shaped things.
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Quebec homeowners say Ottawa must address decades of erosion caused by ship traffic
The higher parts of Angelique Beauchemin's land, she said, are sinking an inch or two a year as they slope ever more steeply toward the river. While she's not a scientist, she says her biggest fear is that one day there will be a landslide and the white house at the top of the hill where she's lived for decades will tumble down.
Live updates: Germany's leader commends unity on Ukraine
The latest on the G7 summit: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says attacks by Russia on residential buildings in Kyiv show the importance of international unity in supporting Ukraine.
Public safety minister eyes steps to strengthen oversight of the RCMP
The federal public safety minister says he is 'deeply committed' to enhancing oversight of the RCMP by strengthening the role of the national police force's management advisory board.