Ontario witnessed a heated political debate among the leaders of the major parties on the occasion of Family Day, where Premier Doug Ford (Progressive Conservative Party), Bonnie Crombie (Liberal Party), Marisa Stiles (New Democratic Party), and Mike Schreiner (Green Party) exchanged accusations and viewpoints on key issues affecting the province's residents.

Main discussion topics:

1. Healthcare:

• Premier Doug Ford defended his policies, pointing to his government's investments in health infrastructure and the increase in the number of medical professionals.

• Bonnie Crombie criticized the current system, asserting that the government has failed to reduce waiting times and improve services.

• Marisa Stiles emphasized the need to stop the privatization of healthcare services, considering it a threat to the public system.

• Mike Schreiner confirmed that mental health needs more funding, pointing out that the current government has not adequately addressed this crisis.

2. Cost of living and housing:

• Ford's government faced severe criticism for the rising cost of living, with the opposition pledging stricter measures to tackle the housing crisis.

• Crombie suggested providing affordable housing programs and increasing oversight of the real estate market.

• Stiles asserted that current policies favor investors at the expense of ordinary citizens, calling for broader reforms.

3. Safety and crime:

• Ford's government stressed the importance of strengthening police forces and expanding penalties to combat rising crime rates.

• The opposition parties called for more investments in prevention, such as supporting youth services and mental health programs, as long-term solutions to reduce crime.

Outcomes and implications:

This debate marks an important milestone ahead of the upcoming elections in Ontario in 2025, as each party seeks to gain voter support amid increasing economic and social challenges.