Why Should I Vote in the Upcoming Provincial Election?

The Ontario provincial government is responsible for issues affecting the province, including education (this means tuition, post-secondary funding, and OSAP!), healthcare, the environment, infrastructure, housing, and more.  

What does the provincial government do?

As a university student, the provincial government has jurisdiction over many areas that influence your daily life! 

• Shaping educational policies 💸🎓– The provincial government oversees post-secondary education. Decisions regarding tuition fees and freezes, funding for universities, and financial aid (like OSAP) directly impact your academic experience and financial well-being! 
• Employment opportunities 🏢– Provincial policies influence job creation, minimum wage standards, and workplace regulations! Your vote can help shape an economic environment conducive to securing employment once you graduate. 
• Healthcare 🩺🧠 – Access to healthcare, including mental health resources, is vital for your success as a student. The provincial government is responsible for allocating funding and setting priorities for these services, ultimately affecting their availability and quality.  
• Infrastructure development 🏡🚌🚧– Ontario’s government is responsible for public transit, some housing policies, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Investments and policy changes in these areas can improve your daily commute to campus or your co-op job, provide affordable housing options, and enhance overall community development.  

How do I know who to vote for? 

Several political parties are running, including:  

• Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario 
• Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) 
• Ontario Liberal Party 
• Green Party of Ontario 

Independent candidates or candidates from smaller political parties may be running in your riding. Find out exactly who is running in your riding by entering your postal code into the Voter Information Service and clicking on “Candidates in your electoral district”.  

Make an informed decision by taking the time to research each party and their platform! Reading the platform on their website is a great place to start, but you can also read news articles, fact-checking sites, or third-party analyses to get a balanced view of how feasible their campaign promises are.

Learn more

• Compare the election platforms and promises from Ontario’s 4 major parties
• Attend our Town Hall on Monday, February 24 to hear directly from candidates from local ridings. 
• Learn more about how and where to vote at Have Your Say: Vote in Ontario’s Provincial Election on February 27. 

Happy voting! 🗳️