On October 6, 2011, Ontario’s provincial election marked the Liberal Party’s third consecutive win, led by Premier Dalton McGuinty. The Liberals went from winning 72 seats in the 2007 election to scrounging a mere 53 this year, narrowly losing the majority by one seat. The result of the election indicated an overall decline in the province’s support for the Liberals, who failed to retain the majority government that they had attained in the past two terms. Ontarians seem to be gradually turning away from the Liberals.
This change of heart can be attributed to the reputation garnered by McGuinty during his past eight years in office. Although some of his policies in health care and in education are viewed positively, he has also become to be known as the “tax man.” The Conservative campaign launched a not-so-subtle attack on McGuinty, criticizing the Liberal leader’s tax hikes such as the health tax and the eco-tax.
It’s arguable that the one of the contributing factors to the party’s loss of the majority is its advocacy of renewable energy. The Liberals’ push for the Green Energy Act is contentious—it is supported by some, but strongly rejected by others.
Under the Green Energy Act, which was first established in Ontario in 2009, McGuinty plans to build industrial wind turbines in rural areas. This idea is popular with city-dwellers, who recognize the eco-friendly potential of the project, but for rural citizens the province’s green initiative is not as appreciated. Windmills are notorious for being noisy and are hazardous to birds, making them undesirable for nearby residents. Moreover, they are neither as efficient or reliable as natural gas power plants. Interestingly, prior to the election, McGuinty cancelled the construction of two gas-fired plants, although he also plans to build two nuclear reactors.
Besides a shift in the sources of energy used in Ontario, students can expect changes that are more pertinent to their academic life. The Liberals plan to implement new education policies that will be advantageous to university and college students. Tuition rates are supposed to drop by 30% for lower-class and middle-class undergraduate students. For students in elementary school, a “healthy snack program” is to be implemented.
Other changes include a new tax credit policy that will help support new immigrants to Ontario. The plan, which is expected to cost $12 million, will encourage employers to hire immigrants who have resided in the country for five years or less. For commuters, the GO service will be expanded from a limited rush-hour service to an all-day service.
Despite worries that a minority government will be unstable, Ontario may benefit from the election outcome. The Liberals’ unfamiliarity with rural community needs and their huge dedication to the promotion of green energy can be balanced by the other two parties. Although developing more environmentally friendly sources of energy will be beneficial in the long run, the government should also be obligated to compromise so that changes are more equitable to Ontarians. Hopefully, Ontario can look forward to environmentally, socially and economically friendly ideas in the future.
