Green, Liberal, NDP provincial candidates for University-Rosedale respond to our top 4 issues

Every election the Gleaner asks the major candidates a common set of questions. We publish their answers to help readers make a more informed voting choice. The provincial election is set for February 27. We have featured this Q & A with candidates for 30 years. For the first time one major party, the governing Progressive Conservatives, did not reply despite repeated attempts by the Gleaner to include them.

1. What would your party do to help fix traffic congestion in the GTA? 

Ignacio Mongrell, Green Party – Traffic congestion in the GTA is a result of poor transit investment, inefficient land use, and policies that prioritize cars over people. Instead of spending billions on new highways that fuel urban sprawl, we need real investments in public transit, active transportation, and smart growth policies. 

Invest in Public Transit: The Green Party has long advocated for fare integration, and we will continue pushing for policies that make transit the first choice, not the last resort.

Smarter Urban Planning: By legalizing “missing middle” housing, we can build vibrant, walkable communities where people live closer to work, reducing the need for long commutes.

Expand Safe Cycling Infrastructure: More bike lanes mean fewer cars on the road, easing congestion while making commuting safer and more sustainable.

Commercial Parking Levy: Cities like Montreal have successfully reduced congestion and raised transit funding through a commercial parking levy. According to a Metrolinx report, a $2 per day levy on all commercial parking spots would generate $650 million in revenue for the TTC.

With better transit, walkable communities, and protected bike lanes, we can reduce gridlock and build a more efficient, people-first transportation system.

Jessica Bell, NDP – Tackling congestion in our city means funding and fixing public transit. The Ontario NDP will provide provincial funding for half of municipal transit operations, ensuring transit is reliable, convenient, and affordable for riders. As a lifelong transit rider and founder of the advocacy group TTCRiders, I know how much of a difference this investment can make. We’ll also deliver long-delayed GO rail expansions to Kitchener, Niagara, and Bowmanville that will give commuters coming into Toronto more options— not less—and reduce the number of cars on the road. 

It’s clear that congestion on the 401 is hurting our economy and making our lives more difficult. To build a tariff-proof Ontario, the Ontario NDP will develop real alternatives for people and goods to get around which don’t look like the wasteful and drawn-out construction of Highway 413, or Ford’s multi-billion dollar tunnel pipe dream without a completion date. We need a GO rail network that connects people and places, transit that we can rely on, and roads that are safe and accessible for all. Fixing congestion is about making sure there are realistic options with or without a car when getting from A to B.

Pam Jeffrey, Liberal Party – We will fix traffic congestion by making transit reliable, available, and safe. For many people today, transit just isn’t an attractive option because the network isn’t wide enough, frequent enough, or safe enough, and only Ontario Liberals have a plan to make public transit work for everybody.

Under the Conservatives, public transit has become more dangerous and less comfortable. Substance abuse and homelessness have risen dramatically under Doug Ford’s watch, and that has spilled over into our transit system. We need more shelters, but the subway shouldn’t be one of them. You and your kids deserve to feel safe wherever it is you’re going, which is why we’ve pledged to introduce Mobile Crisis Support Teams and other safety measures to the TTC.

The Ford Conservatives talk a big game when it comes to transit, but their record is spotty at best. In the last seven years they haven’t opened the Eglinton Crosstown or the Finch West LRT. They haven’t significantly improved GO service, despite their promises to do so. An Ontario Liberal government will actually get transit built without the endless delays we’ve had to deal with under Tory rule.

2. The Ford government has enacted legislation allowing it to remove bike lanes on Bloor Street and elsewhere. 

A. Do you support the intrusion of the province into municipal affairs?

Jessica Bell, NDP – No. New Democrats know that municipal governments understand best the unique needs of their local communities. Doug Ford’s interference in municipal planning undermines local democracies and ignores the voices of residents who depend on this infrastructure. 

Cities should have the freedom to make their own choices on transport and infrastructure, without interference or political games. It’s time for Doug Ford to get out of the way of local decision makers and allow municipalities to invest in safe and sustainable transit solutions.

Pam Jeffrey, Liberal Party – Every second Doug Ford talks about bike lanes is time he’s using to distract from the criminal investigation for corruption surrounding his Greenbelt giveaway, the hallway health-care crisis he’s done nothing to address, the youth unemployment rate of 17 per cent, and unaffordable housing. 

Ontario Liberals believe in meaningful consultation with our municipal partners in all matters, including road infrastructure, but I am not going to spend one second arguing about culture war issues when that’s exactly what Ford wants us to do. He doesn’t want us to talk about the 30,000 people in University-Rosedale who don’t have a family doctor, but you and your family can rest assured that we’re laser-focused on the issues that matter.

Ignacio Mongrell, Green Party – No, I do not support the Ford government’s interference in municipal decision-making. Cities must have the autonomy to design policies that best serve their residents, whether it’s housing, transportation, or environmental initiatives. Ford’s heavy-handed approach—whether by overriding local zoning laws, imposing unwanted highway projects, or forcing the removal of bike lanes—undermines democracy and local governance.

The Green Party is the first party in Ontario to endorse city charters, which would give municipalities the authority and financial tools they need to govern effectively. A city charter, negotiated between a city and a willing provincial government, would define clear areas of municipal control and ensure stable revenue sources. This would prevent future provincial governments from arbitrarily overruling local decisions.

This is not just about bike lanes—it’s about respecting local democracy. Toronto’s city council voted for bike lanes because they improve safety, reduce congestion, and support local businesses. Ford’s interference sets a dangerous precedent that could extend to housing, transit, and environmental protections. A Green government will empower cities, not undermine them.

B. Do you support the removal of the Bike Lanes on Bloor St West in the Annex? 

Pam Jeffrey, Liberal Party – See previous answer. 

Ignacio Mongrell, Green Party – No. Removing the Bloor Street bike lanes is a step backward for road safety, climate action, and urban mobility. These lanes were implemented after careful study and community consultation, and they have proven benefits:

• Increased Safety: Protected bike lanes have reduced cyclist injuries by over 50 per cent on Bloor Street.

• Better Business Support: A study conducted before the bike lanes were approved showed that only 10 per cent of customers in the area arrived by car, while far more came by bike, and most by transit. The local Business Improvement Area (BIA) cited this study in its opposition to the removal of the lanes, recognizing that they benefit businesses by increasing foot and bike traffic.

• Reduced Congestion: More people on bikes means fewer cars on the road, easing traffic for everyone.

• Climate Action: Encouraging active transportation is critical for reducing emissions and creating a more sustainable city.

Jessica Bell, NDP – No. If Doug Ford was serious about fixing congestion in our city, he would invest in more options to get people from A to B—not less.

People deserve to feel safe on their way to work or to school. When the Conservatives brought forward their legislation to rip out bike lanes, they added in clauses to avoid any responsibility when vulnerable road users get injured or killed on our streets. It’s heartbreaking, because someone will be hurt in the future. I bike, and my kids bike. It’s how we get around the city. I shouldn’t have to worry about them getting home safely every time they go out. People should be able to depend on their loved ones being safe at the end of the day. It’s time we had a government that was committed to making that a reality. 

3. Donald Trump has threatened a 25-per-cent tariff on Canadian goods. How should Ontario respond to this threat and help Ontarians affected by the tariffs? 

Jessica Bell, NDP – The Ontario NDP has always stood with working people and those struggling to get by. Right now, people are understandably worried about what the future holds. Life has already become so expensive—for almost everyone. We need a government that fights for every job in the province and will get to work building a tariff-proof Ontario that can withstand any crisis. 

That means supporting trade-exposed industries by creating new supply chains and finding new export markets for Ontario-made goods. We’ll work with the federal government on an income assistance program to support people whose livelihoods are impacted by tariffs. We can create good, new jobs by investing in the infrastructure our communities need— from schools and hospitals to major transit projects. Finally, we’ll make life more affordable for those who’ve been most affected by inflation with a monthly grocery rebate to bring down the cost of the weekly shop.

Pam Jeffrey, Liberal Party – I love Canada, and so does everybody in Team Bonnie. Canadians have never backed down from a challenge, and we’re not going to start now. 

If tariffs hit, we will work side-by-side with the other provinces and our federal government for a coordinated response, and we will provide a targeted tariff relief plan to stop job losses and other impacts on the economy. 

We’ll also provide low interest loans with our Fight Tariffs Fund to provide support to our businesses here that are impacted by America’s callous aggression, on top of the baseline small business tax cut we will institute.

We will also need to diversify our economy away from the United States and spur investment from other nations. Doug Ford has had seven years to insulate our economy from Donald Trump, and we have not seen one lick of that. Instead, he has called an election in a cynical ploy to take advantage of this national crisis. His government is not fit to meet the moment on the international level, on the local level, and every level in between.

Ignacio Mongrell, Green Party – Ontario must take a proactive approach to protecting workers and businesses from potential U.S. tariffs. A 25 per cent tariff would harm key industries including manufacturing, steel, and auto production which are critical to Ontario’s economy.

Strengthen Local Supply Chains: Ontario must invest in local production of key goods, including green technology, auto parts, and sustainable materials, reducing reliance on the U.S. market.

Diversify Trade Partners: We need to expand trade relationships with the EU, Asia, and other markets to reduce dependence on U.S. exports.

Support Impacted Workers: We will introduce transition programs, wage subsidies, and training opportunities for workers in industries affected by tariffs, ensuring they have access to stable, well-paying jobs.

Advocate for Fair Trade: The Green Party will push for strong federal leadership in trade negotiations to ensure that Ontario businesses are protected from unfair tariffs.

Instead of reacting to Trump’s threats, Ontario must build a resilient, self-sufficient economy that is less vulnerable to political instability in the U.S.

4. Ontario is experiencing a family doctor shortage. With many existing family doctors expected to retire soon, the problem will only be made worse. If elected, what would your party do to address this crisis in health care? 

Pam Jeffrey, Liberal Party – Like I said above, Bonnie and I have our priorities straight: we will make sure every person in this province has a family doctor covered by OHIP. No ifs, ands, or buts. Thirty thousand people in our riding don’t have a family doctor. Doug Ford may think that’s acceptable, but he’s the only one.

We are going to do that by doubling residency spots and hiring 3,100 doctors, as well as streamlining the process for those trained abroad to practice here. We’re also going to reduce the amount of paperwork your family doctor does, because they should be working with patients, not spreadsheets. 

We’re also going to invest in paying nurses, PSWs, and other health-care workers what they deserve, and not drive them away like Doug Ford has by capping their wages below inflation.

But this is only going to happen with a change of government. Doug has wrecked our health-care system, and another four years of Conservative rule in Ontario means he will continue his schemes to privatize our health care. Only Bonnie Crombie and the Ontario Liberal team can take him on and fix health care in our province.

Ignacio Mongrell, Green Party – Ontario’s health-care system is in crisis, and the shortage of family doctors is making it worse. The Green Party will take immediate action to expand health-care access and retain medical professionals by:

 Fast-Tracking Credential Recognition: Thousands of internationally trained doctors live in Ontario but cannot practice due to bureaucratic barriers. We will streamline the accreditation process so they can help fill urgent gaps in care.

Expanding Primary Care Teams: Instead of relying on a system that overburdens family doctors, we will invest in team-based care where nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and mental health professionals work alongside doctors to serve more patients.

Improve Working Conditions: Many doctors are leaving Ontario due to burnout and administrative overload. We will reduce paperwork burdens, increase clinic funding, and ensure fair compensation for health-care professionals.

Ontario cannot afford to lose more doctors. We need real solutions that support health-care workers, expand access to care, and ensure that every Ontarian has a family doctor.

Jessica Bell, NDP – Everyone in Ontario should be able to access good primary care regardless of their age, their ethnicity, where they live, or their income. The Ontario NDP has a plan to recruit and support 3,500 new doctors, invest in new residency spots, and refresh budgets to resolve the crisis in primary care. 

Family health teams, nurse practitioner-led clinics and community health centres are tried and tested models of care—just like Taddle Creek Family Health Team here in University–Rosedale. They’re rooted in their communities and can respond to distinct local health needs. But for years, Liberal and Conservative governments have frozen their budgets, and clinics like Taddle Creek and their patients have been left behind and often left without family doctors.

An Ontario NDP government will establish more community health centres and fund them fairly so they can recruit the medical professionals and care workers families in our community need. We’ll also provide more funding for administrative support which frees up time for medical professionals to spend with patients, instead of on paperwork. Lastly, we’ll simplify the process so that 13,000 internationally-trained doctors currently living in our province can  start practicing here. 

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