Promises for young people from some of the leaders were made Tuesday in the provincial election campaign
Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie unveiled her platform while campaigning in Kitchener.
Crombie says a Liberal government would support the creation of 40,000 new paid co-op, internship, and apprenticeship positions through tax credits for employers who hire young people, eliminate interest on student loans and raise the income threshold for repayment to $50,000.
“I want to restore hope and jobs and I want to smash the unemployment rate in half. Ontario’s Liberals have a plan to smash our employment rate in half. We’re also going to ensure that you have a family doctor and we’re also going to promise you that you won’t be saddled with student loans and student debt,” says Crombie.
Crombie’s proposal also include a cap on international student enrolment at 10% at all colleges and universities while providing support to post-secondary institutions to avoid them being dependent on international students.
NDP leader Marit Stiles also spoke about post-secondary education while in Kitchener.
She says her plan includes providing a boost in funding to the learning institutions and financial support for students.
“We have to get back (to) actually funding post-secondary education properly,” says Stiles.
“So along with properly funding post-secondary institutions and education, we’re going to turn student loans into grants and we’re going to cut interest on existing student loans.”
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner took part in the Toronto Metropolitan University’s Democracy Forum.
Schreiner says he feels a minority government is possible if the opposition parties can collectively earn enough seats that weaken the PCs at Queen’s Park.
“I think it can be a combination of how the votes break down in a number of those ridings. And, you know, we could be looking at the possibility of a minority government,” says Schreiner.
“But at the end of the day, it’s going to be how effective I am as the Ontario Greens leader and the local candidates we have who are running good campaigns in those areas. I would say the same for the other parties and the other opposition leaders.”
Schreiner says if it comes down to a minority government, he would be willing to work with anyone, but it would be very challenging to enter into a coalition with the PCs.
The provincial election takes place on February 27th.
