Ontario election debate likely on June 3: report

The leaders of Ontario’s three main political parties have been trading barbs since the election campaign started, but it’s likely they won’t get to face-off in person until early June.

According to a report in The Globe and Mail, the date for the leaders’ debate has been tentatively set for June 3 — nine days before voting day and three days after the advance poll opens.

The Globe said though debates usually happen midway through the campaign, the parties and broadcasters have struggled to find a date, partly because of the National Hockey League playoffs.

Nelson Wiseman, a University of Toronto political science professor, said the debate is important because it can shift the dynamic.

“People all of a sudden get a new image or someone really has a pratfall or someone comes across in a much more positive light and that can change things,” Wiseman told 680News.

“It did in the leaders’ debate in English in the last federal election.”

Meanwhile, both Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak and Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne will campaign in Toronto on Friday, and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will be in the southwestern part of the province.

Election day is June 12, and the advance poll is from May 31 to June 6.

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