NDP, Liberals say it’s too early to decide on potential coalition

TORONTO — At campaign events on Sunday, both Ontario’s Liberal premier and the leader of the New Democratic Party refused to commit to the possibility of joining forces to form a coalition government should the Progressive Conservatives win a majority in the upcoming election.

Premier Kathleen Wynne told supporters in Toronto’s north end that in spite of “a lot of overlap” between the two parties, she would hesitate to join forces with the NDP because their business taxes would make the province less competitive for trade.

But Wynne also said that at just under a month until Ontarians vote, it’s too early to make a decision about a potential coalition.

“We’re in Day 5 of the (30-day) campaign,” Wynne said. “I’m not going to pre-empt the result of the election.”

At a campaign event in east Toronto, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath maintained that her party could win a majority of seats, but indicated that if things go another way she would be unwilling to join forces with the Liberals.

“I’m not going to work with any party that wants to roll back corporate taxes, or that wants to make it harder for everyday families,” Horwath said when asked about joining forces with the Liberals.

But like Wynne, Horwath also said it’s impossible to say anything definitive before the election results have come in.

“We’re going to wait until June 7 before we make any decisions,” she said.

The two leaders’ comments come as the New Democrats are gaining traction in the polls.