It was a quiet day on the provincial election campaign trail, with only the leaders of the Liberal and Green Parties making campaign announcements.
Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie used the opportunity to take shots at PC leader Doug Ford for being absent.
“Where has he been? He called an early, unnecessary election at the cost of $189 million. He’s been absent for 50% of it,” says Crombie.
“Where has he been? Where is he today? He’s been absent, and that’s taking voters for granted. That is disrespectful. Show your face and be accountable for your record.”
Crombie also faced questions about candidates who posted derogatory messages on social media long before they were selected to run.
The Liberal leader chastised the Ford campaign for the mudslinging.
“They want to sling mud. If Doug Ford has something to say to me, he should have the balls to say it to my face. That’s what I’m saying to him right now. If you have something to complain about, come to me. Show your face.”
No explanation from the PC party was given for Ford’s absence on Wednesday.
Ford cancelled visits to Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury because of the Delta Air Lines crash in Toronto that impacted his plane’s ability to departure Pearson Airport.
NDP leader Marit Stiles also made no announcement on Wednesday but did several media interviews.
Green Party leader Mike Schreiner campaigned in Georgetown where he unveiled his party’s plans to help small businesses.
“It starts first with lowering payroll taxes for small businesses by raising the employer health tax exemption from 1 million to $1.5 million,” says Schreiner.
“This will allow small businesses to increase the wages of their employees and or hire more employees before they pay that payroll tax.”
Schreiner says he would also amend zoning rules to allow small businesses to open within residential areas and take a review of regulations to remove restrictions and costs that disproportionately affect small businesses.
The provincial election takes place on February 27th.
