Ontario’s election day has arrived with PC leader Doug Ford seeking a historic third majority. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and NDP Leader Marit Stiles hope to capture second place. Key ridings include Hamilton Centre and Oshawa amidst healthcare and economic concerns. Results are anticipated after polls close at 9 p.m. ET with coverage from CBC News.
Today marks election day in Ontario, with PC leader Doug Ford aiming for a historic third consecutive majority—a feat not achieved in the province for over 65 years. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, NDP Leader Marit Stiles, and Green Leader Mike Schreiner are all advocating for change as polls close at 9 p.m. ET, with results to follow live on CBC News.
Among the key ridings to watch is Hamilton Centre, previously held by former NDP leader Andrea Horwath. NDP candidate Sarah Jama, who won a byelection, now runs as an independent after being ousted from the party, posing a potential challenge to the NDP’s hold here given her strong supporter base.
As polls near closing, the momentum for results intensifies. Viewers are encouraged to keep track of updates as CBC’s interactive results map becomes accessible at 9 p.m. ET.
Elections Ontario has announced delays in reporting results from several ridings in Toronto, meaning results will come in later for Humber River-Black Creek (10:30 p.m. ET), Parkdale-High Park (9:30 p.m. ET), Spadina-Fort York (10:00 p.m. ET), and York Centre (10:00 p.m. ET). By 7 p.m., over 4.2 million Ontarians had cast their votes.
In Sault Ste. Marie, the PCs are looking to hold their ground since 2017 despite local discontent over healthcare. NDP sees an opportunity, but the strong presence of Algoma Steel may influence voters favorably towards Ford’s trade policies after his recent visit emphasizing tariffs.
Eglinton-Lawrence is another crucial contest as the PC’s Robin Martin, who has won by narrow margins, will not run again. The Liberals’ candidate Vince Gasparro, viewed positively by the party, seeks to reclaim this seat historically held from 1999-2018.
Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie is closely engaged with her family while awaiting results and emphasizes the importance of healthcare for seniors in her campaign.
In Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte, the incumbent Doug Downey faces substantial competition from Liberal candidate and physician Rose Zacharias. The ongoing healthcare debate may heavily influence the outcome here, with a narrow margin in the previous election indicating a tough battle ahead.
Oshawa, with ties to the auto sector, is another critical battleground. NDP’s Jennifer French narrowly won this seat in 2022 against former PC incumbent Jerry Ouellette, who is back to contest.
Both parties have heavily invested in this riding, reflecting its importance amid concerns regarding U.S. tariffs affecting local manufacturing. Furthermore, the Liberal party has faced controversies that have added complexity to their campaign efforts in Oshawa.
The Ontario election day sees Doug Ford’s PCs vying for a historic third majority, while the NDP and Liberals compete for second place. Key ridings like Hamilton Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, and Oshawa are particularly significant due to their competitive nature and influential local issues, especially concerning healthcare and economic concerns. The results will provide valuable insights into the shifting political landscape of Ontario, with distinct implications for future governance.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
