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2mo ago

Ontario Leaders Clash Over Health Care, Housing, and Greenbelt in Final Debate

With the provincial election 10 days away, Doug Ford defends his record as opposition leaders sharpen attacks on key issues.

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, left to right, Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford, and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles pose for a photo before the Ontario Leaders' debate at CBC's Broadcast Centre, in Toronto, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford, left to right, Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles chat before the start of the Ontario Leaders' debate at CBC's Broadcast Centre, in Toronto, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, left to right, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, moderator CBC Radio Morning North host Markus Schwabe, Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leader Doug Ford and Ontario Green Leader Mike Schreiner take part in the Ontario election debate in North Bay on Friday February 14, 2025.
A composite image of four photographs show, from left to right: Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Ontario PC Party Leader Doug Ford, Ontario Liberal Party Leader Bonnie Crombie and Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner at the CBC Broadcast Centre for a leaders' debate, in Toronto, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Overview

  • Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford faced criticism from opposition leaders on health care, housing, and his Greenbelt reversal during the final televised debate.
  • Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie positioned herself as the main alternative to Ford, appealing to NDP voters to unite against the PCs while defending her record against attacks.
  • NDP Leader Marit Stiles focused on flipping PC-held seats, accusing Ford of abandoning Ontarians by calling an early election and targeting Crombie's campaign tactics.
  • The Green Party's Mike Schreiner highlighted education and health care concerns, questioning government spending priorities and advocating for stronger community representation.
  • Polling suggests Ford maintains a significant lead, but opposition leaders aim to shift focus to local issues like health care accessibility and housing affordability before the February 27 election.