This election, there’s a lot of emotion in the air—and for good reason. People are upset. The situation in Palestine and Israel is devastating, and it’s affecting how many voters are thinking about their choices.

Let me start by saying: I understand that. These are real issues that touch people deeply.

But as the Leader of the Ontario Centrist Party, I have to be clear—foreign policy is not something we control at the provincial level. Our job is to make decisions that impact your everyday life in Ontario:

• Can you get the healthcare you need?

• Is your child’s school doing right by them?

• Can you afford to live in your own city?

• Are jobs and small businesses being supported?

These are the things we work on. And these are the issues your provincial vote directly affects.

I also want to say something that might not be popular, but I think it’s important:
Voting based on one emotional issue—no matter how real—can lead to outcomes you didn’t intend. A lot of politicians are counting on that. They’ll say one thing to win your vote, and do something else once they have power.

This is why we need to take a step back and vote with a clear head.

Here’s what I ask of you:

• Look at who’s actually aligned with your values across the board—not just on one issue.

• Start with local impact. That’s where change begins.

• Stay grounded. Emotions matter, but decisions made in anger or grief often get used against us.

• Be thoughtful in how you express yourself. Protests and advocacy are important. But criminal behaviour or division won’t bring change—it only sets us back.

If we want things to get better—for everyone—we have to vote with intention, not just emotion.

Thanks for taking the time to reflect on this.
Let’s make it count.

– Mansoor Qureshi
Leader, Ontario Centrist Party