Housing Takes Center Stage in Ontario’s First Election Debate
Housing became a central issue in the first debate of Ontario’s provincial election campaign, as opposition leaders criticized Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford for failing to meet his housing targets. The debate, focused on northern issues, saw NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner take aim at Ford’s record on housing affordability and construction.
“Where are the homes that Doug Ford said he was going to build?” Stiles asked during the debate. “They’re not in our communities. They’re not in northern communities. They’re not anywhere in Ontario right now. He has not done a dang thing about it. That is the truth.”
Ford’s government has fallen short of its interim housing targets, with Ontario’s housing starts down 16% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite a promise to build 1.5 million homes by 2031, the province only saw 72,000 housing starts last year, well below the 125,000 target. Government officials have attributed the shortfall to high interest rates, which they say have delayed construction, but they remain optimistic about meeting the long-term goal.
Schreiner criticized Ford’s approach, arguing that the government has prioritized profits for developers over affordable housing. “Most of the government’s housing plans have been: how do we unlock profits for wealthy land speculators, instead of how do we unlock affordable homes that people can afford,” he said. “The result of their housing record is we have a whole generation of young people wondering if they’ll ever be able to afford a home.”
Ford defended his record, citing efforts to cut red tape, reduce regulations, and remove HST from purpose-built rental housing. However, much of his response focused on attacking his opponents. He criticized Crombie’s tenure as mayor of Mississauga, accusing her of failing to address housing issues during her time in office. Crombie fired back, accusing Ford of making empty promises. “You told us seven years ago you would end hallway health care. It’s gotten twice as bad. You said you’d cut our taxes, but you didn’t do that either. You didn’t get it done, and you said you’d build 1.5 million homes,” she said.
When pressed to defend his housing record, Ford shifted the conversation to his efforts to combat potential U.S. tariffs, a topic he has frequently raised during the campaign. Stiles interrupted, exclaiming, “Oh my gosh,” and accused Ford of inconsistency, referencing a video in which he expressed support for former U.S. President Donald Trump. “You have shown us who you are,” Stiles said. “You say one thing in front of the public, like this, and you go to say another thing behind closed doors.”
The debate also touched on the Greenbelt scandal, with Stiles noting Ford’s broken promise not to develop the protected lands. The government’s decision to open parts of the Greenbelt for housing, which has since been reversed, is under RCMP investigation. The auditor general found that the move would have benefited a small group of developers.
As the election campaign heats up, housing remains a key issue for voters, with opposition leaders vowing to hold Ford accountable for his promises and push for more affordable and accessible housing solutions.