Taxes, cost of living on voters’ minds
Hi, I’m a Toronto-based reporter who reports live on CBC News Network. I’m going to be bouncing around to key Ontario ridings to hear from voters directly.
Today I was in Oakville, Ont., a town that had its boundaries redrawn for this election. One voter told me immigration is her top issue — she thinks there’s been too much of it in recent years (she immigrated to Canada herself more than 40 years ago).
Another common theme was about the cost of living. A young mom who was dining with her baby in a high chair beside her said she wants to be able to buy a home.
Crime was also on the minds of people I chatted with. Home break-ins and car thefts are rampant, they told me.
I met a young man named Chris Kovach, who works at the nearby Ford auto plant along with his father. Tariffs are on the minds of workers there, he said. The economy and taxes are his top issue.
“Do whatever it takes to bring taxes down. I’ve got no problem paying my fair share of taxes, but I need to start seeing a return for me to be happy with the fact I’m paying as many taxes as I am,” he said.
Restaurant owner Peter Giannopolous said he’d like to hear from the party leaders about how they’d support small business owners. Food costs are rising, but he’s trying to keep his prices low for his loyal customers, while still making a living and paying his bills.
“Prices are going crazy. Someone’s got to step in and say enough is enough,” he said.
