Ontario Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty speaks at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto on Sept. 23, 2011.Frank Gunn
Criticized as a chicken by one northern resident and derided by his two opponents for being AWOL, Dalton McGuinty defended his no-show at the debate on Ontario's north, noting he was creating jobs for northerners while campaigning in the south.
"I am actually talking to the north about growth in their economy, about jobs for them, right here, right now," the Liberal Leader told reporters after making a transit announcement in Hamilton Friday afternoon. "This is a good example of how policy here in the south is of direct benefit to people in the north."
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath both travelled to Thunder Bay to participate in the debate on northern issues Friday.
Mr. McGuinty chose instead to make campaign stops in Toronto, Hamilton and Kitchener. He has said that he is looking forward to Tuesday's televised debate, during which issues relevant to the entire province will be debated.
On Friday afternoon, he announced two-way, all-day GO Train service to Hamilton. Two new stations are to be built in Hamilton, creating an estimated 8,000 jobs. This is to be completed in time for the Pan American Games, which Toronto is hosting in 2015. Some events will take place in Hamilton.
More than that, however, the increased service will mean doubling the number of passenger cars on the tracks, noted Mr. McGuinty – and Bombardier makes these "BiLevel" cars in Thunder Bay.
With less than two weeks before the Oct. 6 vote, the race is still too close to call. As a result, there has been much speculation about what would happen in the event of a minority government.
Ms. Horwath, the NDP leader, has mused publicly about playing the role of "kingmaker," saying she would negotiate with both parties depending on the outcome on Oct. 6.
Asked what he thought about Ms. Horwath's comment suggesting she could work with Mr. Hudak, Mr. McGuinty called it "odd."
"I have always thought they have had irreconcilable differences," he said, adding that he is focused on "one overriding objective: that is to form the government, a strong, stable majority Liberal government."