Ontario Election: PCs Seek Historic Win as NDP and Liberals Compete for Second Place

Ontario is holding its election with Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives aiming for a historic third majority. Meanwhile, the NDP and Liberals are in a close contest for second place. Key ridings such as Hamilton Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, Eglinton–Lawrence, and Oshawa are critical to watch, and results will be unveiled after polls close at 9 p.m. ET.

Election day has arrived in Ontario, with Premier Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservative (PC) party aiming for a historic third consecutive majority, a feat not accomplished in the province for over 65 years. Opposition leaders, including Bonnie Crombie of the Liberal Party and Marit Stiles of the NDP, are actively seeking significant changes amidst a tight race for second place. Polls across Ontario are set to close at 9 p.m. ET, and election results will be available promptly thereafter via live coverage by CBC News.

One of the crucial ridings to monitor is Hamilton Centre, typically a stronghold for the NDP. However, the independent candidate Sarah Jama, who previously won the seat, poses a complication as she gained significant backing after her departure from the NDP caucus due to controversial actions relating to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Her independent status may siphon votes away from the NDP, influencing the election outcome.

As polling time approaches, updates indicate that Ontario elections are likely to report results quickly after 9 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, several ridings, including King—Vaughan, Algoma—Manitoulin, and Orleans, will have extended hours for polling and will release results later in the evening.

Sault Ste. Marie is another key riding, having been under PC control since a 2017 byelection. The NDP is positioning itself to capitalize on local discontent regarding healthcare issues, especially following significant patient losses in the area. However, the local industry’s reliance on Algoma Steel might still favor Ford’s party due to its tailored campaign promises.

The Eglinton–Lawrence riding presents another competitive battleground as PC Member Robin Martin has opted not to run again, leaving the field open for Liberal Vince Gasparro and others. This aligns with the Liberal party’s broader strategy to regain urban support that they have struggled to capture in previous terms. Additionally, the NDP withdrew their nominee to consolidate votes against a strong PC candidate by ensuring the competition remains confined to the two major parties.

Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie is tracking the election results from her party headquarters, accompanied by her sons and her 89-year-old mother, emphasizing her commitment to addressing healthcare for seniors. Crombie remarked on the importance of elections in shaping the province’s future.

Polling delays reported by Elections Ontario indicate some ridings in Toronto, including Humber River-Black Creek and Parkdale-High Park, will close later, thereby postponing the release of their results.

In Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte, notable attention is on the race between incumbent Doug Downey and Liberal contender Dr. Rose Zacharias. The outcome here is particularly critical given the competitive landscape and health care being a major focal point of the campaign.

The Oshawa riding has historically exemplified a fierce contest between the NDP and PCs. Currently, Jennifer French of the NDP, who won by a narrow margin in the last election, faces Jerry Ouellette of the PCs. Ample campaign resources have been deployed by both parties as they navigate through local economic concerns impacted by potential U.S. tariffs. The Liberal Party’s withdrawal of their candidate due to public backlash also complicates the political dynamics in this tightly contested area.

In summary, Ontario’s election presents a significant opportunity for Doug Ford’s PCs to achieve a historic third consecutive majority, while the NDP and Liberals vie for second place amidst heightened competition for various key ridings. With critical races in Hamilton Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, Eglinton–Lawrence, and Oshawa, the election outcome remains uncertain and will depend heavily on how effectively each party mobilizes its supporters in these crucial regions. Live results will unfold as polls close and further developments are reported throughout the evening.

Original Source: www.cbc.ca