The Ontario Progressive Conservatives are leading in fundraising, gearing up for a potential election as competition intensifies among parties.
Ontario: The Progressive Conservatives are really raking in the cash lately. They’ve raised a whopping $10.6 million in 2024, leaving the other parties in the dust. With talk of a snap election buzzing around Queen’s Park, they’re in a strong position.
In comparison, the Ontario Liberals managed to pull in just under $2.5 million last year. They claim to have raised $5.4 million from over 11,200 donors, but that still pales next to the Tories. The NDP and Green Party are also lagging behind, with the NDP reporting $2.3 million and the Greens at $1.2 million.
Experts say this fundraising advantage is crucial. It allows the PCs to blitz the airwaves with ads, especially as the election draws near. You know how it goes—more money means more visibility. And with the Premier’s face popping up during playoff games, it’s all about getting that name recognition out there.
Former Liberal cabinet minister John Milloy pointed out that the gap in fundraising isn’t surprising, but it does put the opposition at a disadvantage. He emphasized that running ads repeatedly is key to making an impact. If you want to be seen, you’ve got to spend big.
Plus, there’s also the taxpayer-funded allowance that helps the parties. The PCs are getting a nice chunk of change from that, too, thanks to their strong showing in the last election. It’s a real boost to their campaign efforts.
So, as the political landscape heats up, it’s clear that the Ontario PCs are in a prime position. With their fundraising edge and the power of incumbency, they’re gearing up for what could be a very competitive election season.
