The Ontario election is in full swing, with voting set for February 27, 2025.
Tariffs remain the dominant issue, with last week’s back-and-forth leading to a temporary one-month hiatus on across-the-board tariffs. The conversation continues, however new aluminum and steel tariffs, including on Canadian goods, was signed yesterday.
Premier Ford is now heading to Washington with other Premiers to push back on tariffs and engage U.S. lawmakers. Beyond trade, the PCs have announced:
- Removing tolls from the publicly owned stretch of Highway 407 (Pickering East)
- A tunnel under Highway 401
- New GO Transit routes
- Enhanced border security, including helicopters and new detection technology
The Liberals are proposing:
- A ‘Fight Tariffs Fund’ to offer businesses investing in Ontario loans at below-market interest rates.
- Cutting small business taxes from 3.2% to 1.6%
- $1,150 tax cut for all Ontarians
- Removing HST from hydro bills
- Doubling Ontario Disability Support Payments (ODSP) monthly payment
- Guarantee of a family doctor for every Ontarian
The NDP platform includes:
- New regulations requiring grocers to publicly post all price increases over 2% (week-over-week)
- 15,000 new nurses and 3,500 new doctors over three years
- A monthly grocery rebate (amount undisclosed)
The First Leaders’ Debate is on Friday, February 14 at 1 PM EST, streamed live by CBC.
What This Means for Retail: The outcome of this election will shape policies that impact your business—from labour laws to tax rates and retail regulations. Get a full breakdown of key retail priorities on RCC’s Vote Retail Ontario page.
