With the Ontario election almost a week away, party leaders continue to make their bids for provincial leadership, covering ground across healthcare, the economy, President Trump’s tariffs, job security, education and more, each addressing communities throughout Ontario.
Bonnie Crombie
Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie was in Rockland, located 30 km east of Ottawa, today to make an announcement about her party’s intention to cut taxes.
“I’m here to tell you that Ontario Liberals are here to make your lives a little more affordable,” she told reporters,” adding that she plans to cut small business taxes in half from 3.2 to 1.6 per cent.
“I am the only leader in this election race who has committed to cutting taxes,” she wrote on X.
“I would cut the income tax for middle-class families and eliminate HST on home heating and hydro bills,” the post continued.
The tax cuts should put about $18,000 back in the pockets of small business owners, according to Crombie.
I am the only leader in this election race who has committed to cutting taxes.
— Bonnie Crombie 🇨🇦 (@BonnieCrombie) February 19, 2025
I would cut the income tax for middle-class families and eliminate HST on home heating and hydro bills. pic.twitter.com/7iuDSha9uO
Mike Schreiner
Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner was in Georgetown, in Halton Hills, today at a local cafe to discuss the importance of supporting small businesses.
Schreiner, who is a former small business owner, says local enterprises are “hurting right now” and still struggling to bounce back from the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and are likely to face more hurdles in the wake of Trump’s looming tariffs.
“Small businesses are so vital to creating jobs, and prosperity and the vitality of our main streets..especially in rural communities and rural ridings,” he said, before announcing his party’s plan to lower payroll taxes which he says will allow businesses to increase the wages of their employees.
The party will also relax current zoning laws to allow general stores and coffee shops to open residential neighbourhoods and introduce a commercial renters bill of rights, which will include standardized lease agreements to help reduce legal costs that small businesses face.
Doug Ford
It’s been a quiet day on the conservative campaign trail. Doug Ford has not made any spoken remarks today.
Ford’s scheduled trip to Sault Ste. Marie earlier this week was cancelled following the Delta Air Lines plane crash at Toronto’s Pearson airport.
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Apart from a post on X this morning, there has been little word from the Conservative leader since.
“President Trump’s tariffs are taking direct aim at Ontario workers. I appreciated the chance to speak with the teams at Artcraft Kitchens and Oleo Energies Inc. in Niagara about how a re-elected PC government will protect Ontario workers and stand up for our province,” he wrote on X on Wednesday.
Marit Stiles
It has been a relatively uneventful day on the NDP campaign trail with no direct word from NDP leader Marit Stiles today.
In a social media post this morning, the leader shared footage of a meeting with members of Ontario’s Filipino community.
“I had so much fun sitting down with @filipinosinthe6 to chat about issues facing Ontario’s Filipino communities and sample some amazing Filipino food. The chicken adobo was life changing,” she wrote.
“Thanks so much for the insightful conversation! Maraming salamat,” the post concluded.
Throughout the campaign trail, Stiles has doubled down on the province’s lack of family doctors, investing in education, and creating a more affordable province.
Election day is Feb. 27.
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