Ontario Election 2025: PC Party Releases Platform with $40 Billion in Promises

Image credits: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young, AP-Ben Curtis, Gino Donato

The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party has released its platform for the 2025 election, just three days before voters head to the polls. The platform includes $40 billion in promises, as well as a proposal to eliminate the minimum retail price for liquor. Among the promises are a $5-billion Protect Ontario Account to help respond to American tariffs, $705 million to expand STEM and skilled trades training capacity at post-secondary institutions, and $50 million to support modular housing technology. However, the platform does not include a full costing breakdown of how a re-elected Progressive Conservative government would pay for the promises, and contains some pledges with no cost estimates, such as Doug Ford's plan to build a tunnel under Highway 401.

Doug Ford defended the numbers, citing his track record from the past seven years in government, and suggested that economic growth will help offset some of the spending. He also warned that if U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs are implemented, Ontario won't be able to balance its budget. The PC leader has made warnings about the impact of tariffs a large part of his campaign, and his platform contains billions of dollars in planned spending to respond to them. In addition to the $5-billion Protect Ontario Account, he is proposing $10 billion in support for employers through a tax deferral, up to $3 billion more in payroll and premium relief, up to $40 million for municipalities hard hit by tariffs, and up to $120 million to increase bars' and restaurants' wholesale alcohol discount.

Aside from the tariff fight, Ford also proposed to eliminate the floor price for spirits, which could save consumers money. The minimum prices for spirits vary based on volume and alcohol content and are indexed to inflation, and the minimum retail price for a 750 millilitre bottle of vodka is currently set to rise to $31.15. Ford has not made any public announcements about his alcohol promise, but touted it as a way to reduce costs for consumers. The PC leader has also received endorsements from several unions, including the Carpenters' Regional Council, which has benefited from generous government funding for its members.

The election campaign has seen the PC leader facing criticism for his handling of various issues, including the economy and healthcare. However, Ford has maintained a strong lead in the polls, and his party is expected to win a majority government. The PC leader has been able to appeal to voters by focusing on economic concerns and promising to protect Ontario workers from the impact of tariffs. His ability to connect with voters and deliver on his promises has been a key factor in his success, and he has been able to build a strong base of support among unionized workers and small business owners.

The outcome of the election will depend on a range of factors, including the performance of the other party leaders and the ability of the PC Party to get its message out to voters. However, with just days to go before the election, it appears that the PC Party is well-placed to win a majority government and return Doug Ford to the premier's office. The party's platform and promises will be closely scrutinized by voters and analysts in the coming days, and will play a key role in determining the outcome of the election.