Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak carries a pumpkin at a campaign stop in Vaughan on Oct. 4, 2011.Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak opted to visit the site of a cancelled power plant on the last day of the Ontario election campaign, launching a final attack on Dalton McGuinty and talking up his chances of winning a majority government on Thursday.
The Liberals cancelled the Mississauga gas-fired plant 11 days before the election, saying that nearby condo developments made the site unsuitable. Work has continued since the announcement, but both the Liberals and Conservatives vow to shut it down and build elsewhere should they win.
"This site symbolizes why we need change," Mr. Hudak said as he stood in a parking lot overlooking the construction site. "More Dalton McGuinty broken promises are going to hit Ontario families in the pocket book. Friends, we need change."
Recent polls have cast doubt on the campaign's outcome – one poll Tuesday showed the Liberals opening a 10 point lead, another just hours later had the Conservatives slightly ahead.
There is a chance the province will elect a minority government, which could lead to power sharing agreements among the parties. Mr. Hudak continued to lump his opponents together as he tried to make his case for a majority of his own.
"The choice tomorrow is very straightforward," he said. "It's very straightforward, it's very clear. Do you want four more years of the same under Dalton McGuinty, or do you want change with a PC government? In 24 hours from now we'll bring more jobs, lower taxes and change to the great province of Ontario."
Despite slipping in the polls since the summer when he seemed to be a lock for the premier's job, Mr. Hudak said the campaign has allowed voters an opportunity to see him for who he is.
"There is only one leader who stands for change," he said. "More importantly, here's what I'm all about: today is my ninth wedding anniversary, married to a beautiful woman Debbie who is the love of my life. My little girl Miller just turned four this week I love her dearly and I want to fight for a better future for my daughter."
Mr. Hudak will spend the rest of the day campaigning around the Greater Toronto Area, with stops at a burger joint, an Indian restaurant, a manufacturing facility, flower shop and two candidate campaign offices.
He will spend election night in Niagara Falls.