Ontario Election October 2

Finally, Premier Ernie Eves has called an election in Ontario for October 2. The Progressive Conservatives are looking for a third straight majority government, and Ernie Eves is looking for his first mandate as Premier since he took over from Mike Harris in the spring of 2002.

Whether or not Eves' strong performance during the recent blackout and a week of reduced energy in the province will be enough to deliver enough votes to the Tories is a big question. The polls have been generally disappointing for the Conservatives.

Hot issues in this election are likely to include:

• education
• hydro
• health care
• same-sex marriages

Through all the policy issues, Ontario's seven million or so eligible voters will be looking at the question of leadership during this campaign. Ernie Eves is hoping his 21 years in the provincial legislature, six years as Ontario Finance Minister, and 16 months as Premier will carry the day. Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty has been working on his media image and is playing the "time for a change" card.
More: Ontario Elections