As Ontario gears up for another pivotal election, your ability to understand the distinct platforms of the major parties is crucial.  Each party has laid out comprehensive plans to reshape the province’s future across various sectors.  Here’s a simplified breakdown of what each party is promising, tailored to help you make an informed decision and be where you want to be in terms of governance and policy impact.  You have the capability to make a well-informed choice.

Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario

• Infrastructure and Transportation:  Commitments to remove tolls on the provincially owned portion of Highway 407 East, substantial investments in road expansions and the creation of new community facilities like sports arenas.

• Housing Initiatives:  An additional $2 billion in funding will be provided for enhancements to the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, which aims to support housing construction.

• Municipal Support:  Introduction of a $5 billion boost to the Building Ontario Fund for broader infrastructure projects, including long-term care and municipal needs.

Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP)

• Public Transit and Roads:  Proposals include eliminating tolls on Highway 407, significantly expanding Highways 11/17 and 69, and introducing the Cochrane Bypass.

• Housing and Homelessness:  Plans to create 60,000 supportive housing units to tackle homelessness and initiatives to end rent control exemptions for new buildings post-2018.

• Healthcare Expansion:  Commitments to increase healthcare accessibility by hiring 15,000 nurses and expanding doctor recruitment to reduce wait times.

Ontario Liberal Party

• Education and Healthcare:  A pledge to build 90 new schools and enhance mental health coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.

• Housing Reform:  Proposals to scrap development charges on new housing to spur development and assist municipal infrastructure financing through the Better Communities Fund.

• Public Safety:  Initiatives to boost transit safety by hiring additional special constables and doubling investments in crisis intervention teams.

Green Party of Ontario

• Environmental and Housing Policies:  Plans to allow the development of fourplexes and sixplexes in urban areas as part of broader zoning reforms and a commitment to eliminate all interest on student debt.

• Municipal Autonomy and Infrastructure:  A new deal that allows municipalities to create revenue tools and upload costs like community housing back to the province.

• Sustainable Development:  Advocacy for banning new 400-series highways in the Greenbelt and promoting electric bus services across the province.

Engage and Decide

Reflecting on how these promises align with your personal and community needs is crucial.  Your vote is not just a mark on a ballot; it’s a significant factor in shaping the future of Ontario.  Make sure it echoes your priorities and concerns.

Don’t miss out on making your voice heard.  Check your voter registration card for your voting location, or find it at Elections Ontario.  Every vote counts towards building the Ontario you envision.