Ford has a long ground to cover

Finally the most awaited event got rolling this week giving enough indications that it’s going to a tough ride in a turbulent provincial election campaign. Ontario has witnessed far-reaching changes in the three main parties, the mood of the voters appears to be “close to angry” that seems set to change the political landscape in days to come; that could make the forthcoming elections appear unfamiliar. With 15 years of Liberal rule in Ontario, the voters appear to be looking for a change. Since the last provincial elections that were held in 2014, political divide in Ontario has become wider.  It’s no longer a two party fight. NDP now is a force to reckon with. Specially, with the federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh having a strong base in Ontario, has the charm to influence the voters even for the provincial elections. Doug Ford-led Progressive Conservatives are trying to find answers as their leadership appears to be more like a riddle.

During the debate on Monday, Premier Kathleen Wynne and NDP leader Andrea Horwath wanted Conservative leader Doug ford to clearly express what he could cut. She virtually had to challenge him to get a specific answer. “The other Conservative leaders, Mr. Hudak, Mr. Harris — they were very upfront about what their cuts are going to look like,” Horwath told Doug Ford. “Why don’t you have the guts to tell people what your cuts are going to look like? What is in store for the people of Ontario?” Still Ford didn’t provide specific answers, though he has promised to cut four percent from the budget.  Finding the Conservative leader was finding it tough, Premier Kathleen Wynne too joined in and asked Doug For does making the budget efficient means firing nurses and teachers. The reply was unlike a leader. Doug Ford said, “Not one single person is getting laid off under our administration. I love the nurses. I love the teachers. I’m going to support them 100 per cent.”  However, he didn’t have an answer to when Kathleen Wynne rebutted. “Yeah, but you’re going to cut their jobs.”

This was the first debate leading upto election in June and the first one for the new Conservative leader Doug Ford and he could have done better and left an impression with voters. Doug Ford seems to have gauged his performance right when he issued a statement to the media. “Kathleen Wynne and Andrea Horwath have been debating for a long time. You have to be on your toes against such well connected insiders.” The statement includes “I enjoyed the experience as I always enjoy talking to the people and I look forward to continuing to speak to voters at our upcoming debates and sharing my message that change is coming and help is on the way.” His statement has come more as a puzzle and his policies are unfolding and that is an alarming sign for the Conservatives.  While the Progressive Conservatives earlier this had brought a “People Guarantee” plan with Patrick Brown as its leader. The plan had raised hopes for Ontarians looking for a change from the Liberal rule. However, that plan was out to rest as soon as Patrick Brown quit.  Despite being a well known, well connected millionaire, Ford claims himself to be a man of the people, he would have to do a lot more to make a mark at the debates and get connected with the voters.

Ontario is in midst of a change, as was whole of Canada just few years back and decided to hand over power young Justin Trudeau. NDP having done well in British Columbia and having made a mark with few ethnic communities in Ontario could provide another ray of hope, as it was evident at the debate. A lot will unfold in days to come.