February 10, 2025
Toronto – As the Liberals, NDP, and Greens campaign against each other in our first-past-the-post system, Cooperate for Canada (C4C) is warning that they are handing ridings over to the Conservatives.
“Across the province, there are clear examples of the centre/left parties splitting the progressive vote,” said Barbara Schumacher, Cooperate for Canada. “This usually means that the Conservatives will win, even in ridings where they have a minority of voter support.”
In the Bay of Quinte by-election last year, the Conservatives won with 38.6% of the vote. The Liberals were close behind with 33.3%, the NDP with 23.0% and Greens with 3.1%. Because the progressive parties refused to unite, the people of that riding now have a Conservative MPP – even though most didn’t want one. Will this happen again?
In Niagara Centre, NDP MPP Jeff Burch won by 39.7% of the vote. The Conservatives were close behind him at 37.6%. The Liberals received 13.3% and the Greens 4.5. They had no chance, but acted as “spoilers.” Most voters supported progressive parties, but will the Conservatives win this time?
In Parry Sound-Muskoka, the Conservatives won with 45.4% of the votes. The Greens had 40.7% and the NDP 7.6%. (The Liberals dropped their candidate. ) More voters voted for these two progressive parties, but the Conservatives won. This election, there appears to be no willingness by the Liberals or NDP to ensure a Green win over the Conservatives.
“We find it very frustrating that the data show clearly how uniting in certain ridings will help progressive parties,” said Marilyn Hay, Cooperate for Canada. “We simply don’t understand why these parties would rather lose to Doug Ford and his destructive agenda than work together.”
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Barbara Schumacher – 226-753-9861, bschumac@uwaterloo.ca
Marilyn Hay – 226 972 3699, haymarilyn7@gmail.com (Français)