Ford Absent as Parties Release Platforms, Voters Face Choice on Key Issues

Parties Release Platforms, Ford Remains Elusive

With advance polls opening Thursday, Ontario's election campaign is heating up. While the Green Party has released its full platform, Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford has been largely absent from the campaign trail, making only a handful of policy announcements.

Ford's last public appearance in Ontario was on February 10th, when he announced a ban on Chinese equity in government-funded energy projects. He has since made a few policy announcements, including increased infrastructure spending, a Skills Development Fund, and the purchase of two police helicopters. However, he has not taken questions from reporters or made public appearances outside of the two debates.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie have both criticized Ford's absence, calling him "in hiding." Crombie has released most of her party's platform, which includes promises to get everyone in Ontario a family doctor within four years, cut taxes, and eliminate the provincial land transfer tax for some homebuyers. Stiles has also released specific platforms for Toronto, the north, and southwestern Ontario, focusing on issues like affordable housing, healthcare, and education.

The Green Party, led by Mike Schreiner, was the first to release its full platform, which includes ambitious plans for building affordable housing, protecting farmland, and implementing a wealth tax.

With the election just one week away, voters will have to decide which party's platform best aligns with their priorities.