Ontario is a province full of promise. We have a rich history to be proud of, world-class industries, vibrant communities, untapped natural resources, and people with an unmatched work ethic and innovative capacity. Our cities, towns, and rural communities form the backbone of Canada’s economy—and Toronto, in particular, stands as the fastest-growing economic centre in North America. Yet across this dynamic province, a growing number of conservatives are asking hard questions: are we living up to our potential? Are we making the bold and necessary choices needed to secure long-term prosperity, affordability, freedom, and opportunity?
Project Ontario was born from this moment of reflection—and from a shared belief that we can and must do better.
Why this matters
Conservatives in Ontario have long stood for sound principles: fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, accountable government, and a belief that the private sector and civil society, not government, are the true engines of prosperity. These values have shaped our best moments of growth and renewal. Yet too often, Ontario’s elites—in government, business, and academia—have chosen managed decline, protecting their assets and influence rather than pursuing a dynamic, abundant future for the next generation.
We’ve seen our government make big promises on housing, yet fail to confront entrenched interests and outdated regulations that choke off new supply. Taxes and fees continue to creep upward, while businesses are weighed down by mounting red tape that discourages investment and innovation. Our health-care system is increasingly failing the people who rely on it—long wait times, staff shortages, and service gaps are symptoms of a system in urgent need of bold, courageous reform.
At the same time, our education system is in desperate need of reform. Parents face limited and costly childcare. And once their children reach school age, schools prioritize ideology and identity politics over merit and equality of opportunity—all while meaningful and affordable school choice remains limited. And we’ve witnessed an erosion of state capacity—major infrastructure, transit, and public projects bog down in bureaucracy, plagued by delays, cost overruns, and a lack of accountability.
The result? Ontario today faces mounting challenges that require serious, principled action:
- Stagnant productivity and weak economic growth. For too long, Ontario has lagged behind North American and global competitors in productivity gains. If Ontario were an American state, it would rank as the fifth-poorest. Our GDP per capita now trails every G7 country except Italy. Ontario needs bold leadership to unlock private-sector dynamism and reclaim its place as Canada’s economic powerhouse.
- A tax and regulatory burden that strangles opportunity. High taxes and over-regulation are driving investment away. Ontario should be competing to be the most attractive economy in North America, but instead, businesses face hurdles at every turn—from punitive tax rates to slow permitting processes and unclear rules that frustrate entrepreneurs and benefit established corporate interests.
- A housing market in crisis. Young Ontarians are increasingly shut out of homeownership, with prices that have spiralled out of reach. The dream of owning a home and starting a family—once a cornerstone of Ontario life—is slipping away. Even rental markets are tightening, leaving families struggling to find stability.
- State capacity deficits. Even when governments promise big things—whether new transit lines, hospital expansions, or other critical infrastructure—delivery often falls far short of expectations. Ontario lacks the state capacity and a competent elite that represents the common good to execute large, complex projects efficiently and transparently. This failure not only wastes taxpayer dollars but also delays the infrastructure needed for future growth.
- Flight of talent. We are seeing a troubling trend: young people leaving Ontario for other provinces and across the border, drawn by better opportunities and more affordable lives. This brain drain is a stark warning sign that we are failing to provide the environment necessary for the next generation to succeed and prosper here at home.
- Family formation under pressure. Starting a family or finding a partner has become increasingly difficult. The high cost of living, eroding public safety, limited access to affordable childcare, and growing economic uncertainty mean that many young couples are delaying or downsizing their plans for the families they want. A society that cannot support its young families risks its long-term vitality.
Legislature Protective Service members walk the perimeter at Queen’s Park in Toronto, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press.
These are not abstract concerns. They are real, lived experiences for millions of Ontarians. And while the challenges are complex, the path forward is clear: we need to rediscover and apply conservative principles and new conservative solutions to meet today’s challenges head-on.
Our vision and approach
Project Ontario is not just another political group. It is a grassroots movement of conservatives who are ready to think big, act boldly, and put forward practical, principled solutions.
Here’s how we intend to lead:
- Convene conversations. We are bringing together conservatives from across Ontario—party members, business owners, policy experts, and engaged citizens—to build a shared vision for the province’s future. We will create a space for honest, constructive dialogue.
- Define clear principles. Together, we will craft a policy framework that applies conservative values to today’s most pressing issues. Whether it’s revitalizing economic growth, reforming tax policy, restoring government competence, reforming education, or tackling the housing crisis, we aim to offer a blueprint that is both ambitious and achievable.
- Champion bold ideas. Project Ontario will elevate serious policy proposals that reflect our belief in free markets, responsible governance, and a government that knows its limits—and its obligations. We will work to ensure these ideas shape the public conversation and drive real change.
Why we’re optimistic
Ontario’s future is bright—if we have the courage to pursue it. We have the talent, natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit to build a stronger, freer, and more prosperous province. But that future won’t arrive on its own. It will require a new wave of leadership, energized by grassroots voices and grounded in time-tested conservative values.
Project Ontario is here to help make that happen.
We are just getting started, and we invite you to be part of this growing movement. Together, we can chart a bold new course for Ontario—one that restores confidence in our province’s potential and delivers real, lasting results for the people who call it home.
It’s Ontario’s time.
