As advance voting for the 2025 federal election begins in Canada, CityNews examines how political parties plan to tackle issues impacting the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While party leaders have made various individual policy announcements since the start of the campaign in March, comprehensive platforms were not released before televised debates commenced. However, the Green Party of Canada released its full platform on Thursday.
CityNews reached out to representatives of the Conservative Party of Canada, Green Party of Canada, Liberal Party of Canada, and New Democratic Party (NDP)—the four parties fielding candidates in most or all GTA ridings that had seats in the last parliamentary session—to gather insights on party platforms. However, media inquiries regarding larger issues, including U.S. tariffs, attracted minimal responses. The only structured response received was from the NDP, while the Liberal Party shared links to unrelated news releases. The Conservative and Green parties did not provide responses, although updates will be made if they communicate any information later.
CityNews is delving into themes such as transport, infrastructure, crime, housing, and health care, noting the limited policy details available to date.
Transport and Infrastructure in Toronto and Elsewhere in Canada
Conservative Party of Canada
Details were scarce, but the Conservative Party associated infrastructure investments with a national energy corridor plan aimed at providing a "pre-approved transport corridor" for railways and energy infrastructure. A 2023 policy document supports rail infrastructure and advocates for "high-speed passenger rail where warranted."
Green Party of Canada
The Green Party aims for zero-carbon public transportation by 2040, funding operational and capital expenditures starting in 2026. This platform includes commitments to high-speed rail in notable corridors, yet specifics were lacking. The party also calls for enhanced infrastructure for active transportation and electric vehicles.
Liberal Party of Canada
Information was limited, but the Liberals are promoting a $5 billion "trade diversification corridor fund" designed to expedite nation-building projects involving railroads and other infrastructure. Plans initiated under former leader Justin Trudeau for high-speed rail in the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal-Quebec City corridor remain unclear under current leader Mark Carney.
NDP
The NDP expressed commitment to federal funding for Toronto’s public transit infrastructure, particularly for upgrading Line 2 cars. They support improved rail services and a government-led initiative for high-speed rail, while advocating for community involvement regarding the Pickering Lands and flood management.
Crime
Conservative Party of Canada
The Conservative crime plan proposes mandatory three-year sentences for repeat auto theft offenders and seeks to ban bail for repeat serious offenders. The plan includes harsher penalties for gun and drug trafficking.
Green Party of Canada
This party advocates for criminal justice reform through restorative justice and reducing prison populations, emphasizing support for Indigenous communities. They also push for enhanced legal resources for victims of hate crimes.
Liberal Party of Canada
The Liberal plan seeks to tighten bail laws related to violent crimes and introduce an assault weapon buy-back program, along with bolstering resources for law enforcement.
NDP
The NDP declares intent to improve police resources to combat auto theft and illegal gun possession, emphasizing stricter border control and community safety measures.
Housing in the Toronto Area
Conservative Party of Canada
The Conservatives focus on housing affordability, advocating cuts to sales taxes on new builds and the creation of thousands of homes through federal buildings and available land, though specifics on homelessness assistance are unclear.
Green Party of Canada
The Green Party aims to declare homelessness a national emergency, vowing to build 1.2 million affordable homes over seven years and expand refugee resettlement programs.
Liberal Party of Canada
The Liberals aspire to create 500,000 new homes annually across Canada, with strategies to finance housing development and reduce costs for first-time buyers. However, homelessness assistance plans remain vague.
NDP
The NDP envisions constructing three million new homes by 2030 to address Toronto's urgent need for affordable housing. They also promise support for municipalities receiving refugees and assistance for homelessness through a comprehensive National Housing Strategy.
Health Care, Addictions, and Pandemic Preparedness
Conservative Party of Canada
The Conservatives plan to fund addiction treatment for 50,000 individuals and propose ending federal support for safe consumption sites while increasing regulation.
Green Party of Canada
The Green Party seeks to establish a national pandemic preparedness plan and expand funding for harm reduction services while advocating for drug decriminalization and a safe supply program.
Liberal Party of Canada
Details regarding the Liberal approach to health care and pandemics remain unspecified.
NDP
The NDP aims to ensure all Canadians have access to a family doctor while addressing the root causes of addiction and supporting treatment and prevention efforts, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area.
