With Doug Ford winning the race for leadership of the Progressive Conservative party, many are wondering what will happen in the next election, slated for June 2018. Some are wondering what Ford can do if elected new Ontario premier. Others are wondering if this will sway people's decision-making and if they'll switch parties.
"I've been a Liberal my whole life and with Doug Ford winning, it's not going to change my vote one bit," said Walter Landon. "I'm wondering what he can do different though. People don't like Kathleen Wynne but more people don't like Ford. Everyone has their own opinions, I guess. My vote stands with Liberals."
While many may disapprove of Ford, the PC party is still poised to win a majority in the upcoming provincial election. Some believe his attitude and manner will bring down the party while others believe that a new face as leader will bring the party to a smooth victory.
"I have been following Doug's political career, even though I live here," said PC voter Marc Gideon. "I'm curious to see what he's going to be doing for the party leading up until the election. I was lucky enough to have met Doug a couple of years ago down south. He does have great ideas on how Ontario should be. He's a really nice person. I'm still going to vote for him. I really hope they win."
According to a new public opinion poll, if the election date was scheduled for a Sunday, the Liberal party would not be victorious, only securing 23 per cent of the votes. The New Democrats would come in second, securing 27 per cent, and the PC party would secure 44 per cent of the votes. This year, the election is on June 7. This still doesn't change Annette Brideau's vote.
"I have been voting NDP since I was able to vote, which is many, many, many years now, and with Ford being the new leader, it still won't change anything," she explained. "I hope his past misconduct don't ruin his party in the election. He deserves a fair chance with bringing his party to victory. But it's all up to the voters. If the voters believe he is better than our current premier, then all the power to him and his party and good luck."
Progressive Conservative voter Arnold Lamarche said Christine Elliott, who was the runner-up, should have have been the winner because according to him, she had more of a "heart of gold and knew what she was doing."
"I will still vote for the PC party, no matter what, but I really think that he's going to bring this party down," he began. "No one likes him. No one's going to want to vote for him. No one cares. The party is going to go down, just like the Liberals are going down the drain."
The next provincial election takes place June 7. To see if you are a registered voter, visit www.elections.on.ca.