Your View

When will the Ontario government provide more funding to Ontario schools for school supplies or offer bulk purchasing through the school boards? Parents should not have to provide items such as paper tissues or notebooks.

Posted September 11, 2007 10:24 AM

Ontario's manufacturing sector has been decimated over the past years due to companies moving their production off shore. This has resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in this province; many of them baby boomers who have little chance for reemployment.

As a highly skilled and qualified tradesperson I have seen only 47 jobs advertised nationally for people in my trade of Tool and Die Making, because here again much of it is being produced elsewhere. The City of Windsor used to be the Tool Making capital of Canada is now a ghost town. Obviously the competition for these few jobs is overwhelming.

I would like to know how the parties are going to entice manufacturers to stay in Ontario and what they are going to do for the boomers who have been displaced.

Posted September 11, 2007 09:59 AM

To John Tory : I have been impressed with your radio commercials on many items ie: Truth , Honesty , no Tax promises McGuinty made and then imposses largest one yet etc...

My question is... are you going to hold to your promises to undo the Liberals mis-use of funds (example Cricket club funding - infuriating )or are these just words and we will have A John Tory Goverment of broken promises .
Can we truly hold you to your word like you describe in your commercials ...Thank you

Posted September 11, 2007 09:58 AM

Will you reverse the electricity privatization/market agenda and commit to regulated public power?

Posted September 11, 2007 08:42 AM

The Greenbelt was created in 2005 to protect pristine farmland and countryside surrounding the GTA. Similarly, the Oak Ridges Morraine, which provides clean drinking water for 80,000 Ontarians north of the GTA, was given legal protection from development. Ironically, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is currently planning a major new highway west of Toronto that will not only dissect the Greenbelt, but will also cross and contaminate the Galt-Paris Morraine which provides clean drinking water for 800,000 Ontarians in the Grand River watershed. As premier, would you continue to support this kind of government sponsored development in such an environmentally sensitive and important area of the province?

Posted September 11, 2007 07:56 AM

For most post-secondary education is very important, but also very expensive. Especially if you plan on going away for your university. Once you chosen the best one for you, but you realize that your parents cannot afford to pay for you and you will need to entirely sustain itself it becoems very difficult to afford the living, work long shifts and do well in school at the same time. What would be some of the solutions you would offer if you are elected to office?

Posted September 11, 2007 12:19 AM

I have a two-part question for all the candidates relating to the environment:

(a) Because lawn pestidides end up in our water, in the air we breathe and on surfaces in our homes many communities across the country have already banned their use. Would you be prepared to do the same for the Province of Ontario as a whole?

(b) Considering many people of Ontario use the Toronto Public Transit system would you be prepared to provide some provincial funds toward support of that system. Last weekend we took ther TTC to cross Toronto to attend the Beachfest Festival, leaving Whitby at 1:45pm. We arrived at 5:00pm, having missed two of the three performances we had been planning to see. We could have made it to Kincardine, on the shore of Lake Huron in less time!

Posted September 11, 2007 12:01 AM

What are your thoughts regarding the Ministry of Transporation's proposal to build a new highway east of Cambridge through the Galt/Paris moraine (which serves ten times more people than the Oak Ridges moraine) and the Greenbelt?

Posted September 10, 2007 11:51 PM

The most important issue facing Ontarians is POVERTY and the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

Poverty causes students to under achieve in school and have more health problems. The Liberals promised to end the National Child Benefit clawback,restore welfare payments to a respectable level, build affordable housing, provide affordable daycare and increase the minimum wage to $10.25[but not until 2010] .These steps have not been taken causing continuing hardship. What would your party do to alleviate poverty?

Posted September 10, 2007 11:39 PM

Autism is an important issue for Ontario's children, affecting 1 in 165, and representing the most common developmental delay in children. Both the previous Tory and Liberal governments have in some way failed children with autism. The Tories did so by proceeding with litigation opposing families who fought the discriminatory government act of discontinuing funding of scientifically-based autism treatment at age 6. The Liberal government continued the litigation despite Mr. McGuinty's written promises to the contrary.

These children represent some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and the fact that effective education and treatment exists and is not universally available in Ontario is shameful. Do each of the party leaders commit themselves to providing the best scientifically-based treatment and education for all children and youth with autism? If so, how do they plan to do so, including providing appropriate education in the school system?

Posted September 10, 2007 11:32 PM

When the Liberals came to power and while in opposition they promised to fix the funding formula and implement the Rozanski recommendations. Even though Boards have been given more money all Boards'expenditures are more than the funding in the envelopes causing Boards to balance their budgets by emptying their reserves.Since we all know what's wrong with the funding formula why does the Liberal's platform say they will review the funding formula in 2010?

Posted September 10, 2007 11:16 PM

Realizing that tuition is only a small part of the cost accrued by students attending college & university, with the costs of residence, books and other expenses almost doubling the cost of tuition, what will you do to help ease the financial burden of students in Ontario's colleges and universities?

Posted September 10, 2007 11:05 PM

My question is for John Tory.

Mr. Tory, you are claiming that you will be able to find new efficiencies in order to increase spending and reduce taxes. Your predecessors Mike Harris and Ernie Eves spent 8 years searching for efficiencies. The last budget brought in by your party claimed it was a balanced budget only due to a combination of asset sales and finding new efficiencies. We know now that Ontario was in fact running a $5.6 billion deficit.

Why do you feel it’s possible that you will be able to find new efficiencies that Mike Harris and Ernie Eves where unable to find?

Posted September 10, 2007 10:47 PM

I am a young aboriginal going to university, among the many issues I am concerned about, I am mostly concerned with the stance being taken when dealing with native issues.

One, why doesn't the government inform the public about the situations and concerns sparking action amongst aboriginals [aka Indians]? Because, who should know more than the government? Two, why are so many native peoples in Canada living well below the poverty line?

Posted September 10, 2007 09:59 PM

What reasons do we have for being proud of the Ontario Education system in 2007?

Posted September 10, 2007 09:47 PM

For over 18 months the aboriginal community has successfully, without serious penalty, been able to block Ontario Highways. The Premier has apparantly decided to do nothing regardless of financial and social cost to the people of Ontario.

My question to the other parties is what do they plan to do, if anything?

Posted September 10, 2007 09:27 PM

Below you will find the question I wish to ask the PC Party Leader, John Tory, in the upcoming debate:

Regarding the public funding of faith based schools, one obvious criticism is that it's a slippery slope. How would you define when the number of a "religious" population or religious denomination is sufficient to warrant its own school? This also bears on the equality argument because it can never be truly free since it would be absurd that sunni Muslims are in seperate schools from shi'a Muslims and the secular humanists have a different school than atheists. Yet the absolute equality or the "funding for all or none" argument has that as its logical outcome. On a related note, wouldn't such a policy have to treat all religions as homogeneous monoliths? How would you draw the line? How could it ever account for the intrareligious and intrereligious diversity that contribute the the beauty of religious experience?

Posted September 10, 2007 09:21 PM

Ontario has the weakest zoo regulations and animal protectin law in the country.

Countless animals are being kept in deplorable and unsafe conditions at roadside zoos. With few regulations and no animal welfare or public safety standards, it is not surprising that there are more roadside zoos in Ontario than any other jurisdiction.

What is shocking is that Ontario's only animal protection law hasn't been signficantly revised in 88 years.

You have made many commitments to your human constituents but I want to know what your party will do to improve animal welfare in Ontario.

Posted September 10, 2007 08:35 PM

I’m submitting this question as President of the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa. This past week, the media reported on the sexual assault of one of our first-year students. This happened in the wake of the sexual assault of a Carleton student in a campus building.

The question is for all three leaders:

“For university campuses across Ontario, the start of this academic year has been marked by several inexcusable and highly publicized sexual assaults carried out against a number of our female students. Unfortunately, we know that incidents of sexual assault are not rare and are most often carried out by those who are known to the women involved. We also know that only one out of ten women who are assaulted ever report that assault to authorities. It is upsetting for many young people to know that the society in which we live continues to allow these realities to exist.

Tonight in Ottawa, as this question is being posed to you, women, men and children are gathering together for the annual Take Back the Night event. While we are presently taking to the streets to speak out against violence against women, I’m asking each of you what concrete commitments your parties are making to end violence against women in Ontario, both in public and private spaces.”

Posted September 10, 2007 08:05 PM

I would like to submit the following questions for the leaders debate.

“Do you believe there should be continued commitment to increasing cooperation, respect, and resources in education?”

“Define quality public education.”

Posted September 10, 2007 08:00 PM

With skyrocketing student debt and one of the lowest per capita investments in education, Ontario is far behind many provinces in terms of accessibility for post-secondary education. Will your party commit to roll back recent tuition fees increases if elected?

Posted September 10, 2007 07:41 PM

This question is for all 3 candidates.I am a non-custodial parent and I, along with many other people I know, are going through family court right now and find that the Family Court system needs to be overhauled.

The laws are outdated and don't reflect the socio-economic changes that have been occurring over the past several years. In most cases, the decisions aren't based on what is best for the children involved, but what is the "status quo". Mediation, counselling, and solutions that involve EQUAL PARENTING would certainly bring relief to a system that encourages and gives any custodial parent the tools to systematically wreak havoc and alienate any child from the non-custodial parent.

This is happening at epidemic proportions in a system that many people cannot afford anymore due to exhorbant lawyers fees. What do you intend to do to solve this problem before many more families are decimated emotionally and financially?

Posted September 10, 2007 07:40 PM

What is your parties plan to help with the ever so vital social services, such as the health care, child and youth services among the countless that we provide?

Posted September 10, 2007 07:25 PM

All substitute teachers in all school boards across Ontario automatically become members of whatever union protects the teachers in the school where they are substituting - except in the case of substitute teachers in Provincial Schools, including schools for the deaf, the blind, the deaf-blind, and some correctional sites. Substitute teachers working in those sites are legally prohibited from being members of the union that supports the teachers in these sites, and in fact the union cannot even work to organize them to give them union protection. Will you, if in power after this election, rectify this deplorable situation?

Posted September 10, 2007 07:24 PM

To Premier McGuinty

Premier McGuinty I do appreciate and acknowledge that you are one of the first premier over the last number of years that has put significant time, resources and committment into improving Public Education in the province of Ontario.

On September 10th you made the following statement with reference to the Conservative educational platform on the funding of all faith schools:

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said "the plan would lead to greater segregation among people with different backgrounds."

Premier McGuinty the Province of Ontario funds two public school systems. I do emphasize TWO public systems because our present system has created an atmosphere of segregation across our province. Publicly funded schools should provide open access for all and equal career opportunities for all. This is not the case in Ontario's public school system at present. One system serves all with equal opportunities for education and for employment. The other publicly funded system only provides equal opportunities for those of the Roman Catholic faith.

My question:
Premier McGuinty when will the Province of Ontario move to one publicly funded system supporting quality education with recognition of our two offical languages and without the discrimination & segregation which presently exists?

Posted September 10, 2007 07:17 PM

I have Type 1 (insulin dependent) Diabetes. The current government extended benefits to those under 18 with the same condition. Insulin Pumps are paid for if the patient is under the age of 18. I would like to know if the leaders will continue to discriminate against me, an adult who uses an insulin pump. I face the same complications as someone who is 17, yet because I am 33 I do not qualify for this benefit.

Posted September 10, 2007 07:16 PM

Why aren't the taxpayers asked about funding for religious schools? We pay the bills, and we do not have the opportunity to say whether we want this. This is not fair to us.

Posted September 10, 2007 07:06 PM

Much discussion and debate has taken place about funding for religious education in the province of Ontario.

Newfoundland and Labrador were guranted a Denominational Education System has part of their terms of union with Canada. The Province was successful in their bid to change the Constituion through a Provincial referendum

My question to the leaders is: Would you be willing to have a referendum to change the constitution to elimante the funding for Catholic Education in the province.

Posted September 10, 2007 06:49 PM

My question to all debate participants is: What are you going to do to address the funding gap between secondary and elementary systems?

Because of a funding shortfall to elementary schools, my school board has to staff very close to the line. At the school where I teach, we had to reorganize after the first week. We went from a school of straight grades and small class sizes with an average of 20 pupils, to a school in which every class but one has split grades. Now, all primary classes have 20 pupils, and all junior and intermediate class have at least 28 pupils. It is not possible to give the same kind of attention to all the students in a split grade as could be given to students in a straight grade. If the gap were closed, then perhaps class sizes from kindergarten to grade eight could be reduced, and the quality of teacher/student time could be improved.

Posted September 10, 2007 06:44 PM

This is a question directed to Premier McGuinty, and to the other party leaders to explain what they would do differently.

Premier McGuinty, in your hurry to decommission coal-fired power plants, your government is installing a new gas-fired power plant on Toronto's eastern waterfront at the foot of Carlaw. This was done hastily, with limited community consultation, and on the basis of decades old environmental approvals. How is a new power plant in this location consistent with broader plans for waterfront re-development, and urban intensification? Why did your government proceed with this option in the absence of a current environmental assessment? Do you think that this new power plant enhances the prospects for redevelopment along the eastern waterfront?

Posted September 10, 2007 06:33 PM

Ontario produce 22,000 MWatts of electricity.
Half produced by nuclear.

Every ruling Ontario government agrees it is
a) safe and clean(low emissions)
b) has a low operating cost (Source OPG website)

I feel that this is absolutley false.
A) the biproduct of nuclear is radioactivity
and if the safety record is anything less than 100% then it is not safe. Have you seen the emergency measures to be initiated if there is a 'problem'?
B) If it has a low cost why is so greatly subsidized?

Which one of the parties will focus on decommisioning nuclear power plants as a means to boil water to rotate turbines and produce electricty?

Posted September 10, 2007 06:16 PM

Should school boards recover their former right to set taxes for local educational needs?

Posted September 10, 2007 06:10 PM

Why is Frank de Jong, leader of the Green Party not a part of this debate?

Posted September 10, 2007 05:44 PM

Will you vote for Mixed Member Proportional Representation? Why? Why not?

Posted September 10, 2007 05:43 PM

To the PC, Liberal and NDP leaders:

Do you think that it is fair that Frank de Jong was excluded from this debate?

Posted September 10, 2007 05:17 PM

I am a self-employed, single, childless individual without a pension or benefits. Based on my income, I pay a premium for myself. A couple who decide to have two children, where one partner earns the same income as I do and the other partner decides to stay at home to care for those children pays the same premium as I do. One person using the system. Four people using the system. Same premium.

I want to hear Mr. McGuinty’s justification of such a discriminatory basis for his health tax; and further, how he justifies having that tax paid into the general fund rather than directly into the health care budget.

Posted September 10, 2007 04:28 PM

For all leaders:

In view of the widespread lack of knowledge about the issue, and the lack of an adequate public information campaign, the threshold for a winning Yes vote in the referendum has been set almost impossibly high - far higher than virtually any MPP or Ontario government has ever achieved in an election. If that threshold is not reached but if nevertheless a majority (over 50%) of the electorate votes in favour of electoral reform,what will your party do to meet the wishes of the majority?

Posted September 10, 2007 03:57 PM

To all leaders:

If you become premier, what is one area in which you think you will establish a positive legacy?

I want to know that they have a long-term vision for Ontario even though it might not necessarily reflect where they will pour the most money (rather that they are in tune with the values and expectations of Ontarians).

Posted September 10, 2007 03:53 PM

I am a hospital administrator in Northern Ontario. There is a major problem in Ontario hospitals providing care for patients who might otherwise be cared for in the community. Everyday, in many Ontario hospitals, there are patients that should not be in hospitals who are awaiting care in the community, such as long-term care facilities.

In Northern Ontario, this question is especially pressing given very alarming overall population health statistics and intense pressure on hospitals.

To the government's credit, steps have been taken to address this situation. Unfortunately, the pace of this relief never seems to keep up with the problem.

What is your party's position on dealing with this issue and how soon can hospitals and the communities they serve expect to see a more permanent solution to this problem?

Posted September 10, 2007 03:44 PM

The Ontario Disability Support Progam keeps people with disabilities in dire poverty. The rates would have to increase by 75% to just reach the Low Income Cut-Off set by Statistics Canada. Rates have increased 2 or 3% each year of the past few years, not nearly enough to make a difference. What will your party do to increase the incomes of people with disabilities who are reliant on the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Posted September 10, 2007 03:31 PM

Housing is a basic human right and a determinant of health. Yet too often, people with mental illness are forced to live in sub-standard housing or experience homelessness, because appropriate housing and support services are not available. There are waiting lists for supportive housing programs – which include both an affordable housing component as well as linked programs to assist people to acquire skills towards greater indepedence and community integration .

What will your party do to expand supportive housing – housing that is affordable with the supports many people with mental illness need?

Posted September 10, 2007 03:17 PM

The late Doris Anderson, champion of women’s rights and of proportional representation, would have wanted this question asked: Do you support Mixed Member Proportional, the electoral reform recommended by the Ontario Citizens’ Assembly, which will help elect to the Legislature more women? And please do not say you must be neutral—no-one can be neutral about this important democratic issue.

Posted September 10, 2007 03:05 PM

How could the Ministry of Education ensure that the Ontario curriculum is being taught according to the regulations at publically funded, faith-based schools where a language other than English is the language of instruction?

Posted September 10, 2007 02:38 PM

Question for all:

Under the David Peterson Government full funding of the Catholic School System was implemented.

How do you reconcile this with refusal to fund any other Religious School?

If funding of other religious schools would be to great a drain from the public system would you support the elimination of funding for the Catholic System?

Posted September 10, 2007 02:38 PM

To Dalton McGuinty.

My children go to a faith based school (Jewish), and you and your children went to a faith based school (Catholic). Why is it that your children are so much more privileged than mine? Do we not both contribute to the wellbeing of society?

Posted September 10, 2007 02:31 PM

To all leaders:

Do you think it's fair that the Green Party was denied participation in this debate, considering it's made such inroads such as the recent by-election where it came second?

If you don't support getting rid of coal-power immediately, what are the priorities you apparently place higher than the health of Ontarians, including yourself?

Posted September 10, 2007 02:03 PM

I trust that this comment section is the actual question section for the canidates. So here is my question for all the party leaders.

There are 5 ongoing Native blockades going on in Ontario, these are all destroying economic growth in those areas. Effected areas such as building new housing, mining development and transportation. How are you prepared to ensure that these occupations are resolved and no more additional occupations. Please answer the question without blaming the federal government because how can you lead without providing solutions for present problem.

Posted September 10, 2007 12:09 PM

The number of women and visible minorities elected to Queen's Park is disgraceful. How would you propose to increase the number of women and visible minorities elected to Queen's Park? What is your position on Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)?

Posted September 10, 2007 10:59 AM

Question for Mr. Tory - Under your plan for Faith-based schools 1) Which faiths would be included, and 2) where exactly will the monies to hire these teachers and build these schools come from?

Posted September 10, 2007 10:47 AM

What is your party's record and plan with respect to post-secondary education?

Posted September 10, 2007 10:05 AM

Good day,

1a) Mr. McGuinty, please respond to allegations raised against your cabinet members for political wrong-doings they have committed over your past four years in Government: Mr. Takhar (MTO arms length) Mr. Caplan (OLG), Mr. Colle (Immigration Grants) how would you handle the situation differently if you resume the position of Premier?

1b) Mr. Tory and Mr. Hampton, please respond on how you would handle future cabinet minister's of any political wrong-doing. As the Premier of this province, if you were found guilty of political wrong-doing, would it not be in the Province's best interest for you to step down?

Posted September 10, 2007 09:53 AM

Question for all leaders: what is your party's record and plan with respect to providing access to health care for people in Northern Ontario?

Posted September 10, 2007 09:52 AM

To the Conservative Leader

Your party has argued that “it is only fair” to fund faith-based schools because Catholic schools are publicly funded. Using that reasoning, and given that French-language schools are publicly funded, will a Conservative government extend public funding to schools which use other languages of instructions?

Posted September 10, 2007 08:54 AM

What is the Green Party platform on public school funding as compared to the NDP?

Posted September 10, 2007 08:47 AM

To all of the Leaders:

None of you have lived as a low-income Ontarian however as a Leader of the Provincial Government you must represent all Ontarians. In order to ensure that ALL Ontarians share in the economic successes and wealth of this province can you explain how your government will ensure that everyone living on a low-income will be better off economically if you and your party are elected?

Posted September 9, 2007 11:40 PM

In April 2006 all the leaders accepted Equal Voice's Ontario Challenge to nominate and elect more women in this election.

Considering that women are 52% of the population - and that means 52% of the voting population - would each leader explain what their party is doing to identify, recruit, nominate and elect more women in winnable ridings.

Posted September 9, 2007 09:47 PM

Questions:

1. Given the record of the PC party in its dealing with educators when Mike Harris and
Ernie Eves were premier, how can we trust the P.C. party to continue the current
government's harmonious relations with teachers when a core PC policy is to create
division within the education system by funding religious schools?

2. Under the Tories "creation of crisis" rule about 26 000 000 teaching days were lost due
to strikes. Under the current government no days have been lost due to strikes. The
right to strike is an enshrined in collective bargaining. Will a PC government allow
educators in this province the right to strike?

3. To improve the learning of children, the present government has limited class sizes in
the primary grades. Will a PC government continue and expand this initiative?

4. What will the PC government due to ensure all students get ample access to physical
education classes, music programs and art classes?

Posted September 9, 2007 09:44 PM

INDEXED SALARY RAISE FOR MPP and other PUBLIC OFFICE

During last four years, Members of Parliament got salary raise of their choice and not their voters choice.

I would like to ask if the new elected MPPs including Premier would accept the raise according to the raise in the income level of the voters which can be obtained from Statistics Canada.?

Thank you

Posted September 9, 2007 09:29 PM

Mr. McGuinty, in 2005, you disallowed sharia law in family arbitration because you claimed that "there should be one law...Canadian law". However, in terms of education, the Roman-Catholic system receives full provincial funding, whereas, other faiths do not. Therefore, if Canadian law includes equality, why don't you fund all faith based schools or none at all?

Posted September 9, 2007 07:25 PM

RE: Funding for faith-based education.

To the Conservative Leader:
Given that the Canadian charter of rights prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, will the conservative party extend public funding to all private schools?

To the Liberal and NDP leaders:
The Ontario Education Act states that one of the duties of teachers is “to inculcate . . . . respect for religion and the principles of Judeo-Christian morality . . .” what changes would you make in Education in order to make the existing public schools equally welcoming to children from other faith-traditions and non-religious backgrounds?

Posted September 9, 2007 06:20 PM

ELECTION DEBATE ISSUE -- FOR THE DISABLED PEOPLE of Ontario
Over the last decade, both the Liberal and PC parties have been dabbling and making changes to the Ontario Disability Support Program Act (ODSP), and to the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) of the Ministry of Health (MOHLTC).

There is still a major discriminatory section of the legislation and regulations, which has NOT been corrected.

Instead, it has become even more entrenched as a MAJOR DISCRIMINATION AGAINST disabled Ontarians, and sick Ontarians at large.

I refer specifically to Sections 19, 21, 22, 23 of the Ontario Disability Support Program Act and Sections 44, 56, 58 and 61 of the ODSP Regulation (General)

My question is “ How and When do the individual politicians AND their parties intended to correct this highly discriminatory Legislation ??

The DISCRIMINATION comes in the factors which are included, and which are deliberately excluded (ignored) in this re-calculation. This formula is spelled out in the cited Legislation.

This severely skews the re-evaluation, making it invalid.

Since this election identifies
local candidate(s) issues,
separate from political party issues,
an answer from ALL candidates is required to clearly identify persons who will work, on behalf of their constituents, to correct such blatant discrimination in Ontario.

Posted September 9, 2007 06:06 PM

I would like Mr. McGuinty to explain how he can justify discriminating against the 53,000 students in the faith-based schools and keep them segregated instead of providing funding to bring them into the public school curriculum as Mr. Tory is proposing.

Posted September 9, 2007 06:03 PM

To all leaders;

I spend 90% of my time in the City of Toronto. This is my primary home. Greater Ontario is my secondary home. As such I'm going to vote for the leader who will give Toronto the money to operate and expand the TTC, take over the social funding programs, and provide more money to run Canada's largest City?

Funding should happen immediately. It should not be phased in over a 4 year period. Politicians increase taxes overnight, therefore they can increase funding overnight.

Don't spin me an answer. Yes, or no, will you provide Toronto with the money it needs and should get?

Posted September 9, 2007 09:19 AM

Now that the government has removed the restriction to retire at age 65, what incentives are being put in place to encourage employers to hire more senior individuals?

Posted September 9, 2007 12:06 AM

1)Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia:

The occupation of Douglas Creek Estates has been ongoing since February 28, causing enormous hardship for the businesses and residents of Caledonia.

If elected what will your government do to end the Native Occupation of Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia?

2) Occupations of Residential/Commercial Development:

There has been ongoing interference with residential/commercial development projects in Hagersville, Dunnville, York, Brantford and Kitchener.

If elected what will your government do to ensure that Six Nations stops interfering with housing and commercial development along the Grand River?

3) Protection of deeded land in Ontario:

Several developers with valid in Ipperwash, Caledonia, Hagersville, Dunnville, York, Brantford, Kitchener have had occupations of their land by Six Nations natives claiming the land is legally theirs. The Ontario Government has simply stood by and done nothing to support or protect the deeds issued by this Province.

If elected what will your government do to protect the rights of land deed holders in this Province from occupations by Natives including removing and charging the Native Occupiers?

4) "Rule of Law":

Judge Marshall commented that the "Rule of Law" is under attack in this country. The OPP have been operating under the "A FRAMEWORK FOR POLICE PREPAREDNESS FOR ABORIGINAL CRITICAL INCIDENTS" in Caledonia since April 20, 2006 including "Special Policing" when it comes to Six Nations residents.

If elected what will your government do to ensure that the OPP applies the "Rule of Law" in Ontario equally for everyone and that special policing policies related to any one segment of the population be deemed unconstitutional?

Posted September 8, 2007 10:05 PM

Here is my question for all three leaders:

After the 2003 election, only 21 per cent of Ontario MPPs were women. All three of you leaders vowed to do much better this time. Despite that, once again, we do not have enough women nominated as candidates in this election to achieve a third of the Legislature, the “critical mass” we need to ensure women’s concerns are heeded in Ontario. What will you do to guarantee no more elections in which women win less than a third of seats?

Posted September 8, 2007 09:32 PM

How would you ensure every person in Ontario has assess to their own family doctor?

Posted September 8, 2007 08:59 PM

As a disability management consultant for more than 15 years, I have seen many instances where disabled worker are discriminated against. For example employers big and small that refuse to accomodate disabled employees. As first minister of Ontario what would you to correct this and when?

Posted September 8, 2007 08:21 PM

When I was a child, I had a wonderful range of opportunities. Ontario Place was free, there was superb municipal programming, and I benefited a great deal from extra-curricular activities avaliable through my school board.

I'm now 19, and looking at the world around me, these programs and opportunities are disappearing due to budget cuts and privatization. It's no secret that a full, enriched childhood creates mature, productive adults. If you become premier, what would you do to ensure the enrichment of Ontario's children?

Posted September 8, 2007 07:51 PM

I am currently in grade 8 from a low income family and would like to know what you planto do to make University tuition and books more affordable, so that I may be able to receive a university education?

Posted September 8, 2007 06:59 PM

Mr. McGuinty, you appear to have taken a very principled stand against public funding of faith-based education in Ontario. Does that mean you are advocating a single, secular public education system? And if so, will you be proposing a constitutional amendment to establish non-denominational school boards in Ontario, similar to what was done in Quebec?

Posted September 8, 2007 06:26 PM

My question to the leaders is what do they think about the recommendation for electoral reform put forward by the Citizens' Assembly?

Posted September 8, 2007 05:59 PM

To the Premire Dalton,

Regards to Broken Promises: Why hasn't the Party under your Leadership kept the promise to do a thorough land-use plan before any development occurs in the far north?

Posted September 8, 2007 05:58 PM

Despite the fact that Ontario has enjoyed economic success for many years now, we still see that poverty in this wealthy province continues to rise. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Many citizens are being left behind. What specifically will you do to eliminate or reduce poverty in this land of plenty? (To all party leaders)

Posted September 8, 2007 05:02 PM

John Tory, you recently suggested that Ontario should fund all religious schools, why do you think that we should pull money out of the public school system and what would the cost be in terms of money? Is this the best way to hand the many different religions and cultures in Ontario? by creating "cliques" formed by different religions because they are in different school, or is there another option? I personally think different schools for different religions is racist and it will form barriers between people of different religions. Why do you think different religions should have diffent schools?

Posted September 8, 2007 04:24 PM

The City of Windsor and surrounding area is facing unique problems. Unlike the rest of province, the region’s unemployment rate is twice the national average and the highest in North America. Increasing traffic volume and security concerns have resulted in extended border delays. As a result, residential city streets have become increasingly congested and dangerous. The increase in traffic volume along the border route is contributing to the existing problem of air pollution. What course of action will the party leaders take to address these concerns?

Posted September 8, 2007 03:29 PM

Funding religious educational institutions

Couldn't funding of different regligious educational institutions cause an increase in the beliefs that a particular religion could be wrong? Further, teaching multiple sections of people only one view (differentiating between each section) cause strong belief in multiple opinions, which in turn could lead to higher rates of religious hate-crimes?

Is there a stance on removing funding for all religious institutions? Ie. Catholic school boards?

Posted September 8, 2007 02:38 PM

In 1999,and subsequently, the United Nations human rights committee ruled that Onario's policy of fully funding Catholic schools while denying full funding to other religious schools is discriminatory.

In view of this, would you give the taxpayers of Ontario the opportunity to decide for themselves, by means of a referendum on the subject,whether they would prefer to support; One publicly funded education system in each official language or a multitude of educational systems that are each reflective of the many diverse religious beliefs held within our province?

I would like to hear the answer to my question from each candidate.

Posted September 8, 2007 12:58 PM

My question goes to Mr. McGuinty. Why can your party afford to go on a spending spree during your last 2 years while in government, but why will you not consider reducing or eliminating the "health premium tax", that hurts individuals and families in the pocketbook?

Thank you.

Posted September 8, 2007 11:17 AM

Dalton McGuinty professes to believe strongly in public school education...yet he himself attended the Catholic school system as does his children. So he does believe in a religious education. Why does he, then, deny this to others (non catholics). I believe in the public system and only the public system should receive funding or everyone should receive funding....let us hope for the former.

Posted September 8, 2007 10:51 AM

With so much unemployment in the Southwestern region of the province, and with the commitment by all parties to alternative energy, why do we continue to import old technology and used wind turbines from Holland and Germany to meet our energy needs? We have the skilled workforce many of whom are laid off from the auto plants. Why can you not have a viable wind turbine plant in Windsor?

Posted September 8, 2007 08:43 AM

Bill 232 was introduced in the Ontario Legislature on May 31, 2007 by Bob Runciman, MPP Leeds-Grenville.

Unfortunately the Legislature broke for the summer before this bill could be debated. I'd like the question posed to all parties - What does your party see as a solution not only to the cruel atrocities committed against animals that are occurring across the province but also to the over population of stray animals specifically cats.

The Windsor area has seen both situations -unbeleivable cruelty to AK the dog and a mounting number of cats euthanized by the Humane Society becuase people just won't spay and neuter their pets.

Would any of the parties entertain subsidizing a spay and neuter program so that the procedure would be more affordable and available to more animals. Something must be done to rectify these problems and a party that cares about animal rights and welfare would certainly touch the hearts of the people.

Posted September 7, 2007 09:10 PM

Mr. McGuinty, you previously mentioned that full funding to faith based schools would cause "social divisions and segregation". However, the Roman-Catholic school system already receives full funding from the province. Therefore, why do you believe that Roman-Catholic funding does not cause segregation, whereas, the proposed full funding all faith-based schools would cause such divisions?

Posted September 7, 2007 07:50 PM

Currently, the Ontario Public Service does not reflect the diversity of the population of Ontario. Therefore, how will you (all candidates) improve the recruitment process to ensure that merit and diversity are promoted?

Posted September 7, 2007 07:44 PM

My municipal taxes have increased about 40% in the last few years. My assessment has increased 50% in the last few years. I am approaching retirement but because of the large increase in municipal taxes; and the prospect of even larger increases, it is beginning to look like I will only get a few years in it before I have to start looking for something subsidized. My question to all candidates: what will you do to control the increases in assessment/municipal taxes?

Posted September 7, 2007 07:34 PM

Considering the financial situation facing the City of Toronto, the Economic Engine of the economy, what specific plans do you have to assist the city, so that its citizens do not face the projected cutbacks, particularly the Transit Commission. Please do not repeat what you have done in the past, only what you propose to do if you are reelected Premier of Ontario. In being specific, please outline financial assistance you will give so that the city can continue to thrive, and the all important transit sector can proceed with planned improvements>

Posted September 7, 2007 07:19 PM

To all candidates,
Less than 0.5% of Canada is prime agricultural land as defined by the Canada Land Inventory, and most of this is in Ontario. Urban sprawl is threatening this land: currently, 18% of it has already been urbanized and 80% of agricultural land severences are for residential development. If elected Premier, what would you do to protect one of Ontario's greatest natural resource: our prime farm land?

Posted September 7, 2007 06:47 PM

QUESTION TO ALL PARTY LEADERS:

The non-partisan 103 member Ontario Citizens Assembly recommended electoral reform by the change to a Mixed Member Proportional system. This would ensure that a party got the number of legislative seats proportional to its popular vote, instead of the result in the last election, when the Liberals won 66.9% of the seats with 46.5% of the popular vote; the Progressive Conservatives won 23.3% of the seats with 34.7% of the vote and the NDP won 6.8% of the seats with 14.7% of the vote.

Where do you and your party stand? AND if elected, and the referendum shows that we, the people, want MMP, will you change the electoral system?

Posted September 7, 2007 05:34 PM

Why are incumbent leaders of the traditional Ontario parties not taking a stand to insist that the Green Party be included in the televised leader's debate? Won't the additional information lead to a better informed outcome for Ontarians? It is, after all, our election.

Posted September 7, 2007 01:45 PM

For all candidates:

What commitment are you prepared to make to electoral reform in this province, regardless of the outcome of the October 10th referendum?

Posted September 7, 2007 10:09 AM

A question to all Party leaders...

A group of TV network executives from CBC, CTV, Global, CITY, TVO and CPAC have unilaterally decided to leave the Green Party out of the televised leaders' debate on September 20, 2007.

The criteria used to establish these parameters are not specified by Elections Ontario and are not made public.

Past televised provincial leaders’ debates have included former Green Party of British Columbia Leader Adriane Carr in 2005, and Prince Edward Island Leader Sharon Labchuk in 2007, making the decision to exclude Ontario Leader Frank de Jong extremely unusual.

I feel it's time for the rules governing the leaders' debate to become a matter of electoral law rather than subject to the whims of the entertainment industry.

What is your personal position, and party position on rules and thresholds for inclusion on publicly televised leaders' debates?

Posted September 7, 2007 09:52 AM

On the health-care front, the Liberals are promising more doctors and nurses and new hospitals. In a news release they say they will begin "by tackling shorter wait times in emergency rooms, and further expanding access to family physicians."

Isn't this why they imposed the Health tax on us when they first came to power. So why do they need to promise and make a big spenidng annoucement just before the October election.

Where is the money that they took from us when they broke their promise of no new taxes. Just show's that they can't be trusted and that they think the people of Ontario have very short memories.

I just wonder how they will get all the money that they are now promising? More none taxes on us?

Posted September 7, 2007 09:22 AM

Why isn't Green Party leader, Frank de Jong, included in the televised leadership debates?

Posted September 7, 2007 08:55 AM

My question is about funding education and has two parts. First, the PC leader has proposed funding faith-based schools. Will this apply to any faith or ideology, including, neo-pagan, Rastafarianism and other alternative religions?

Second, if faith-based schools are fully funded, will students be allowed to opt out of religious classes and will all remaining elements of religious discrimination in regards to hiring teachers, for example non-Catholic teachers needing permission by RC church officials, be eliminated?

Posted September 7, 2007 08:45 AM

You have recently stated that you will not raise our taxes if elected, however you did state that in your last election campaign. You have also stated that we should not expect you to repeal the health tax (or premium as you like to dress it) because you need that money.

I would like to ask, why do you believe that any politician, or government, who breaks promises solely to get elected, should be rewarded with a second term in office? Would you support legislation that protected the electorate by holding politicians to their campaign promises? Would you support giving consistuents the right to "fire" their elected representatives if those representative got elected on false promises?

Posted September 7, 2007 07:40 AM

In this increasingly more secular society, why is faith based education important? What is the benefit of encouraging segregation of our children and their families?

Posted September 7, 2007 01:26 AM

The Mixed Member Proportional System (MMP) has been recommened by a diverse group of Ontarians who are interested in a more democratically elected parliament. Three of the four main political parties are not supporting this forward thinking initiative. Could each of the leaders explain why they do not support this proposed system or why they do support it.

Posted September 6, 2007 11:57 PM

Hello, I'm Percy Hatfield a City Councillor in Windsor, where we have lost 18,000 manufacturing jobs in the past five years.

One in ten manufacturing jobs in Ontario have disappeared over the same period.

My question - is what changes in policy would you introduce to stem this tide, to assist those who have lost their jobs, and to rebuild Ontario's manufacturing base.

Posted September 6, 2007 09:20 PM

Older adults have said for years that they do not wish to be institutionalized in nursing homes. Nursing homes have been fraught with serious problems subject to press exposes for many years.

Why does Canada not have a national home care program geared toward helping older adults to age in place, rather than forcing them, when they are most vulnerable, to uproot and be put in an institution?

Posted September 6, 2007 08:34 PM

How will you fund faith based schools without compromising the current structure in Ontario? Where will the money come from? Will taxes be raised as a result?

Posted September 6, 2007 06:41 PM

I am very disappointed that the Green Party is not included in the TV debate. I am not a member of the party and have never voted for them.

However,this time they will get serious consideration as I am in agreement with their education platform, i.e., one secular school system.(the only party to offer this)

Before I vote, I would like to see their leader in action. Since you and the other networks have not invited the Green Party for the TV debate, I have been denied the opportunity to see their leader in action.I feel you (and the others)have rendered a thoughtless disservice to your viewers.

Posted September 6, 2007 04:05 PM

I have a question for John Tory about the referendum:

I have been troubled by your public comments on the MMP system proposed by the Ontario Citizens’ Assembly. You have said repeatedly that you can’t support a system that would “appoint” MPPs to Queen’s Park.

This is a distortion of how MMP works in countries that use it. In those countries, party members elect candidates to their party lists.

Should MMP be enacted in Ontario will you be appointing the list candidates for your party? Or would you use a fair, open and democratic process that involves your party members?

Posted September 6, 2007 01:21 PM

Q1: Does Conservative party have any plan to introduce some level of fairness and justice to family courts in Ontario? Family courts are aginst the males of this province in all support/custody and divorce issues. There is a systematic bias against the males.

Q2: Does Coservative party have any plan to back out the health care tax enforced by Liberals in promise of better service, which was never delivered?

Q3: Does Conservative party have any plan to help father-rights groups financially and/or open some shelters for abused men

Posted September 6, 2007 12:39 PM

While I agree with the idea of a February holiday why is it more important that it occur in 2008 while other more critical needs such as a 10.00 minimum wage can wiat till the end of the next goverments mandate in 20011. Ten dollars per hour would only approach the poverty line in 2007 and certainly 10.25 would be well below it in 2011.

Posted September 6, 2007 11:50 AM

Since the last election the Ontario economy has significantly underperformed compared to the overall Canadian economy. We have the highest corporate tax rate in the country, a dwindling industrial base, lower per capita venture capital funding than BC and Quebec, and countless other economic hurdles before us. What would the candidates do to turnaround this provinces economic fortune?

Posted September 6, 2007 11:16 AM

Given the importance of agricultural lands in securing a domestic source of food for Ontarians, would you consider an outright ban on the development of such land, even if that restricts residential growth?

Posted September 6, 2007 09:14 AM

Mr. McGuinty, in 1999, the UN Human Rights Committee criticized the discriminatory funding model for Roman-Catholic separate schools as violating international human rights law. Therefore, why won't you fund all faith based schools equally or none at all?

Posted September 6, 2007 02:43 AM

Directed at John Tory:

What is your opinion on Premier Dalton McGuinty's new tougher measures for impaired driving and street racing?

Posted September 6, 2007 01:14 AM

What positive changes will be implemented on TTC as lots of people commute from Mississauga to downtown?

Posted September 5, 2007 08:33 PM

Senator Michael Kirby has referred to children's mental health services as the "orphan of the orphan".

Approximately 20% of children and youth suffer from mental health problems, but only a small fraction of these children are receiving the services that they need. What will your party do to increase the capacity of the mental health system in Ontario in order to serve these children and families in a timely and compassionate way?

Posted September 5, 2007 06:33 PM

I would like to hear the party's positions on John Tory's proposal to spend $400,000,000.00 for education for those who belive in God and creationism during the leadership debate.

It is a central topic in this election and will determine my vote. I believe it would be both educational (pardon the pun) and good TV. It is a great topic for the debate. But I would also like to hear from the Green party on their platform to not fund faith based education at leader's debate.

Posted September 5, 2007 05:38 PM

In a country that purports equality… National statistics say Courts award Mothers more rights than fathers in 93% of divorce cases in Canada.

Do you believe parental responsibilities should be split equally between a mother and father upon divorce?

If so why do thousands of children continue to be alienated from their father every year?

Posted September 5, 2007 02:17 PM

I live in London Ontario, where we have a signifigant prostitution and drug problem in out east end. What kind of social programs will be put in place to help these people become productive members of our city and province? clearly the ones that are in place are not working the way they should.

Posted September 5, 2007 12:50 PM

If elected what will you do to try and re-instate our centuries-old respect and support for marriage between a man and a woman to the exclusion of any other and returning its proper definition; thereby supporting and promoting healthy reproduction of our society?

Posted September 5, 2007 12:33 PM

Given the recent court decision with regards to the monopoly granted to the Canadian Wheat Board( now Viterra) that forces Western farmers to market their barley exclusively through them, do you think it is time for Ontario farmers to be subject to the same regulation?

Posted September 5, 2007 12:00 PM

While I don't fully support Mr. Tory's ideas regarding faith based school funding, I would like to ask Mr. McGuinty how he can reconcile his position of supporting funding for some faith based schools (Catholic) while denying funding for others? (ie - Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, etc.)

Posted September 5, 2007 10:29 AM

So far, I have neither heard, nor seen or read, any discussion about the proportional election system which
are expected to be on this year's voting sheets.

Methods can be statistically complex and difficult to understand. But all seems to provided for one choice for a person plus another for a party candidate. I have a booklet which describes details of two methods of allocating such party votes for the German Parliament. Of course, it requires statistical considerations for proper allocation.

I understand German fluently, my employment career was spent in managerial accounting, complex and large accounting systems, and accounting controls.

But I have yet to fully understand how this second "party vote" works.

Are we to make a blind and little understood choice
in this plebiscite?

Informed Germans regret having a system which bogs down in internal squabbles between the ruling parties and gets little done other than dealing with such. On the contrary, some wish for a system like ours where at least we may make terrible mistakes, but can toss the lot out after four years.

A proportional system generally favours the minority parties, and understandably so. If they were more desirable we would have given them the run to form our Government in the first place. But they have not been the first past the post. We did not like their platforms. So, why mix it all up and have us eat the
mush, if there is any at all after so many cooks
have stirred the Government and our tax payers' pot?

When will Mess. McGuinty, Toy, Hampton, provide us with details in sufficient time to make informed decisions?

Posted September 5, 2007 10:14 AM

With an already overloaded transit system in Toronto that is comparitively underfunded when looking at other world class transit systems, many of which get half of transit budgets from higher level governments, what is your proposition to help deal with the already overcrowded and overpriced transit system in Toronto?

Posted September 5, 2007 09:46 AM

Given your position in opposition to faith based school funding and the fact that many people believe that this conflicts with the existence of a Separate School Board; will a second Dalton McGuinty term see the dismantling of the Catholic educational system?

Posted September 5, 2007 12:54 AM

My question is for the Premier Dalton McGuinty.

The Liberal government was responsible for implementing the Greenbelt Legislation. This legislation was designed to permanently protect green space, farmland, forests, wetlands, and watersheds.

In June 2006 The Ministry of Transportation announced the commencement of a Highway 24 Corridor Class EA study for a 120 meter right of way to connect Brantford at the 403 to Cambridge at the 401. About half of this highway or 500 acres will traverse Hamilton's Greenbelt.

Since the announcement of this EA study last year, developers have land-banked in Brantford, Cambridge and the country-side surrounding the Hamilton Greenbelt. The developers are motivated by selling bedroom communities for GTA commuters.

Can you please explain how the 2005 Greenbelt Legislation is effective in permanently protecting green space, farmland, forests, wetlands, and watersheds when it appears that your government is eager to pave it over with a highway that will only support urban sprawl?

Posted September 5, 2007 12:49 AM

Mr. Tory indicates he will be tough on those seeking bail. Currently, the wait for a Court date in Ontario exceeds 12 months. How will he or any other prospective leader, compensate a person, who is later found innocent, for their loss? Civil lawsuits can take 10 years, and many thousands of dollars. Can any leader agree to do the right thing and fully compensate the innocent, immediately?

Posted September 5, 2007 12:41 AM

To each leader: The combined facts that increased access to public transit does not result in an equal drop in automobile use, and that one out of every six jobs in Ontario is directly tied to the automotive industry, dictates that traffic congestion is undeniably destined to increase dramatically over the coming years. With this in mind, what are your specific goals in expanding the major traffic arteries throughout Ontario -- especially in the GTA -- in order to prevent Los Angeles levels of traffic and air pollution from arising?

Posted September 5, 2007 12:26 AM

This is for all 3 potential premiers.

I am sick and tired of all three levels of government squabbling over my lonely tax dollar. Since I am the only one funding all three levels of government, do you not think that I am unaware of how you steal from each other in order to buy my vote with my money? I don't want any Provincial gifts paid for by municipal tax increases required to pay for downloaded provincial services. Enough is enough!

My question to all of you who wish to lead this province during the next term is this, Without assigning any blame, what do you promise to do, other than talk and study, in the first 100 days as premier to create fair and equitable funding for the municipal/provincial services downloaded by previous provincial governments to the municipalities?

Posted September 5, 2007 12:19 AM

The removal of non custodial parents, typically fathers, from the lives of their children (after seperation or divorce) is an epidemic in our society. What will your party do to ensure that both parents remain in the lives of their children?

Is Equal Shared Parenting something your government would support?

Posted September 4, 2007 11:57 PM

I have a question for all the party leaders. With respect to the pending referendum on whether to reform Ontario's electoral system, I wish to know the position of each party leader on the proposed reforms. To my recollection, the NDP has consistently advocated reform - the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives have been lukewarm at best, and outright critical at worst. While the NDP's support of proportional representation is often ascribed to the perceived benefit it would provide to the NDP at election time, the reverse charge - that many Liberals and PCs decry PR since they benefit from the status quo - is in my opinion just as valid. So I would like the party leaders to clarify their positions with mind to whether the proposed reform would benefit or harm the interests of their respective parties. In short, I want to know whether positions on electoral reform are motivated more by concerns over governments receiving "majorities" with only 40% of the popular vote or by narrow partisan interests.

Additionally, I also wish to ask Premier McGuinty why a supermajority of 60% of voters is necessary for electoral reform to pass, particularly since scarcely no so-called majority government has received a majority of the popular vote in decades. If 45% of the vote is sufficient to elect a government, 50% + 1 ought to be enough to change the electoral system. After all, if Ontarians were dissatisfied with the system, it would be simple enough to switch back. Thank you.

Posted September 4, 2007 11:47 PM

As the next Premier of Ontario, and with recent media coverage in various parts of Ontario, moreso throughout Canada, there have been protestors from groups like Fathers 4 Justice Canada family, calling for changes to the family law. Where do you stand on the issue of equal parenting? An idea that will allow all family members both maternal and paternal to have access to the children?

Posted September 4, 2007 09:39 PM

How come each of you leader of Liberal, Conservative and NDP have not insisted that the Green Party participate in this debate?

I find it apalling that this tradition is maintained while we espouse to consider that environmental issues to be a significant priority.

Who has the balls to effect the change that they will have a voice in this public forum.

Posted September 4, 2007 09:30 PM

This is a question open to all leaders. Please describe specific actions you plan to take to address the inequities in Family Law that remove vast numbers of fathers from the lives of their children.

Posted September 4, 2007 09:17 PM

Are you open to discussing the options of parental rights to childcaring their own children and to work towards an agreement that would financially help both parents at home and parent in the paid work force with their different choices in childcare?

Posted September 4, 2007 07:02 PM

With the environement and clean energy production being one of the top priorities in the world today. What steps would your government be willing to make to ensure that new, cleaner technologies are created, regulated and shared with other governments across the world?

Posted September 4, 2007 04:09 PM

I would like to ask all the candidates one simple question:

I am a post-secondary student at McMaster University and I would like to know what your party would do regarding the aging, and in some cases, crumbling infrastructure of Ontario's colleges and universities?

Posted September 4, 2007 02:56 PM

i like to hear the views from each of the leaders about compulsory voting. thank you.

Posted September 4, 2007 01:12 PM

More often than not, legislative votes in Ontario and across Canada are whipped. Members must vote along party lines or be kicked out of caucus. Sometimes this means that members are forced to vote against their own principles, or worse, the will of the constituents they are supposed to represent. What do the party leaders think of allowing more free votes in the legislature?

Posted September 3, 2007 10:20 PM

Tuition fees for university students continue to climb in the province of Ontario. Student loans, including OSAP, fail to address the financial gap of income/money available to students and the actual cost of living, along with high tuition fees. University should not be a debt sentence. I would like to know, if re-elected, what Mr. McGuinty and the Liberal party plans to do to address this pressing issue.

Posted September 3, 2007 09:31 PM

General Question:

The Manufacturing Sector in Ontario is in a crisis. Plants are closing and tens of thousands are left jobless. What do you promise to do to stop this bleeding and to once again make Ontario a place for companies to invest in?

Posted September 3, 2007 09:26 PM

During Question Period when a question is put to a minister, or their shadow counterpart, why is that official allowed to dodge that question?

If I acted like an MPP, in a court of law, I would end up in jail.

Why can't the Speaker be empowered to direct the MPP to answer only the question put to them?

Posted September 3, 2007 11:01 AM

What are the feelings of the leaders on the referendum that is to be included in the Oct. ballot?

I don't think I'm alone when I say I find it mind-boggling and not at all clear, and that the voters of Ontario have to wake up or we may have a new way of voting that we don't understand and, possibly, are not at all in favour of. As of yet I have been unable to grasp the concept that the new format would be fairer or more representative.

On the contrary, I understand that with the new system the Party who votes in the most MPP's would not necessarily become the government, apparently because the election areas are uneven in population. If this is the case, then why aren't the election areas changed to make it more even? It could be set up that voters living in large, remote areas where there is a small population, could phone in their vote if distance to a polling booth is a problem.

And what's this about lists????? In no way would I be in favour of people becoming MPP's (with all the fringe benefits) who have not been voted in by the population. Whether you concur or not, when it comes to politics and politicians, manipulation, underhandedness, and lobbying are not uncommon. On the face of it, this proposed new voting system borders on anti-democracy, possible collusion, and would demand a great deal of faith and trust from the population that the workings of the government are always above-board. The examples of countries who use this voting system are not convincing.

This proposal is too much to ask of Ontario voters who prefer to have some control over the Party who becomes the Government. I can't say as I blame them.

Posted September 2, 2007 11:33 PM

The current state of funding for Ontario's Provincial Parks is abysmal. Parks all across Ontario have seen massive losses in visitor services from important things like Natural Heritage Education programs to simple things like enough maintenance staff to clean washrooms. What will candidates do to help protect and preserve our Ontario Parks and bring the level of service to acceptable levels.

Posted September 2, 2007 10:13 PM

Questions for the Party Leaders: What do you and you party intend to do to upload some or all of the cost of public housing from the municipalities.

(tongue-in-cheek) If elected what is the first campaign promise you will not keep

Posted September 2, 2007 07:49 PM

My Question is regarding the severly under-reported referendum and it is dedicated to those opposed to the Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system.

Why should Ontarians continue to use an electoral process (FPTP) that is not even used by parties themselves when selecting candidates and leaders?

Posted September 1, 2007 09:18 PM

Gender equality is a pressing and far-reaching issue? The UN has stated that a critical mass of 30% women is needed to ensure public policy reflect the needs of women. An absence of women from leadership undermines democracy. The World Bank recognizes that legislatures with more women are more productive and that women are effective in promoting honest government. National parliaments with the largest numbers of women have the lowest levels of corruption. In this country we have had two Royal Commissions (1970, 1992) documenting the need for more women in politics and identifying barriers for women.

In this province, with 25% female MPPs, Dalton McGuinty has pledged the Ontario Liberal party to nominate 50% women candidates in ridings not otherwise held by Liberal members. John Tory’s Progressive Conservatives are looking for one third of candidates to be women. The provincial NDP has an affirmative action nomination policy and a general policy that fifty percent of ridings should have female candidates. Quebec is doing better with women accounting for thirty percent of the National Assembly and Jean Charest has the honourable distinction of being the first provincial premier to appoint equal numbers of men and women to his provincial cabinet.

It is obvious that equity can be achieved when the parties commit to doing more than paying lip service to the issue. It has been shown that countries with first-past-the-post electoral systems consistently have lower representation of women. Under the proposed Mixed Member Proportional System the ‘Top Up’ List would allow a party to address the gender imbalance by putting women on their list.

What will the leaders of the parties do to help ensure women are elected and given positions in cabinet? Will they make it policy to use the Top Up List to reduce the gender imbalance?

Posted September 1, 2007 12:57 PM

I would like to direct this question to all leaders:

I'm currently in my last year of studies at university and am one of the few fortunate ones who will have no student loans. However, many of my friends and classmates will have a great burden following them, and many new students will be forced to pay outrageously high tuition fees. After this Liberal government's broken policy of freezing tuition, what do you all plan to do to assist people graduating with great student debt, and those who will be entering the system and subjected to enormous fees?

Posted September 1, 2007 11:10 AM

To all leaders:

Will the next government in Ontario relieve post-secondary students? Do you think post-secondary education should come with a 30'000$ price tag? How will you better our education system so that you can empower not only students, but a whole generation of responsible, successful & dynamic group of individuals who can serve as full contributing members of the economy and our society. Doesnt this make more sense, rather than bogging down an entire generation in debt and thereafter amputating their means of contributing to the economy and government coffers of Ontario?

Posted August 31, 2007 09:27 PM