Your guide to debate night
Plus: Patronage finger-pointing, NDP platform costing, Grits lose ground in latest poll
ABOVE THE FOLD
After laying low to prepare on Sunday, all four main party leaders hit the debate stage tonight for the final time before Ontarians pick their Premier on June 2. The 90-minute melee goes down at TVO’s studios in midtown Toronto at 6:30 p.m., hosted by journalists STEVE PAIKIN and ALTHIA RAJ. Here’s what to expect.
The frontrunner: PC Leader DOUG FORD has held on to a comfortable lead in the polls, but he could get tripped up when his opponents undoubtedly remind the audience about his handling of the pandemic — something Ford was visibly miffed about in last week’s Northern debate.
Since Ford will be the only leader relying on briefing notes, his rivals could also use that against him, suggesting he’s unprepared on policy and needs scripted talking points.
Debate prep: Word on the street is Ford’s camp held a mock debate this weekend featuring Tory operatives DEB HUTTON as NDPer ANDREA HORWATH, MICHAEL DIAMOND as the Liberals STEVEN DEL DUCA, and ANDREW SIDN…