Ontario's main political party leaders squared off in their final televised debate on Monday, February 17, 2025, with just over a week remaining before the snap election on February 27. The debate focused on critical provincial issues including health care, affordability, and housing, while featuring occasional moments of levity.

Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford, who is currently leading in the polls, faced concentrated criticism from his opponents. A particularly notable exchange occurred when Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner challenged Ford on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments, questioning the adequacy of $1,300 monthly payments in a province where average market rent exceeds $1,600.

Ford defended his position by highlighting his government's action to index ODSP payments to inflation, while warning that economic failure could jeopardize the province's ability to maintain these payments. He consistently returned to his central campaign message of protecting Ontario's economy from potential American tariffs.

Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie emerged as particularly aggressive in her criticism of Ford, memorably calling his uncosted plan to build a tunnel under Highway 401 'dumb' and questioning his understanding of everyday Ontarians' struggles. The debate revealed clear strategic positioning, with Crombie making a direct appeal to NDP voters in an effort to consolidate opposition support.

On the housing front, the leaders addressed the controversial Greenbelt issue, which is currently under RCMP investigation. While Stiles, Crombie, and Schreiner firmly opposed building on protected Greenbelt land, Ford acknowledged his previous flip-flops on the issue, stating, 'I said I was, then I wasn't, then I went ahead and did it,' while emphasizing his public apology.

Following the debate, the leaders returned to the campaign trail, though Ford's scheduled appearances in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury faced delays due to travel issues at Toronto's Pearson airport.