Ontario's provincial election campaign is intensifying, with the Progressive Conservative party led by Doug Ford emphasizing border security measures in response to potential U.S. tariffs, while the NDP, headed by Marit Stiles, prioritizes affordability concerns by proposing a monthly grocery rebate for millions of Ontarians.
Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford emphasized his party's border security measures amidst the looming threat of U.S. tariffs. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump delaying his tariff threats until early March, Ford stressed the enduring 'unprecedented economic risk'. He argued that as long as Trump remains in office, the possibility of tariffs will persist.
Ford cited his government's Operation Deterrence, launched last month in response to the tariff threats, as a testament to their commitment to protecting Ontario's economy. This operation, according to Ford, has already intercepted eight illegal border crossings, resulting in the seizure of 21 illegal firearms and 624 kilograms of cocaine. If re-elected, Ford pledged to allocate $50 million to expand the Ontario Provincial Police's Joint-Air Support Unit. This expansion would involve two new H-135 helicopters to support the Niagara Regional Police and the Windsor Police Service in their intensified border patrols, security efforts, and enforcement.Meanwhile, the Ontario NDP, led by Marit Stiles, focused on the pressing issue of affordability. Stiles highlighted the rising cost of living, emphasizing that it is a primary concern for Ontarians. To address this, the NDP proposed a monthly grocery rebate for lower and middle-income households. This program, according to Stiles, would benefit up to four million households, with a family of four potentially receiving up to $122 per month to alleviate the burden of grocery expenses. The rebate amount would be calculated based on the increase in the cost of essential grocery items over recent years, taking into account the recipients' annual income and household size. The NDP outlined that families and individuals with a net income of up to $65,000 would receive the full credit, with a gradual reduction for households earning between $65,000 and $100,000. A December report by researchers from various Canadian universities projected that a Canadian family of four would spend over $16,800 on food in 2025, reflecting an increase of approximately $800 from the previous year. Stiles further stated that if her party forms the government, it would implement measures to prevent coordinated price increases among Ontario grocers and establish a consumer protection watchdog. In a separate development, the Liberal party committed to appointing a special investigator to scrutinize various actions taken by the Ford government. This investigation would encompass issues such as the closure of the Ontario Science Centre and the now-retracted plan to develop land within the protected Greenbelt. Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie reiterated a promise made last June, prior to Ford's call for a snap election on February 27th. This pledge gained prominence amidst public outcry over the Greenbelt development, which reached a peak in summer 2023 and led to an ongoing RCMP investigation. Ford has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that he has not been interviewed by the RCMP in their Greenbelt probe, although he is unsure if any of his staff members have been questioned
Ontario Election Doug Ford Marit Stiles Border Security U.S. Tariffs Grocery Rebate Affordability Greenbelt Controversy
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