Here’s How Ontario Political Leaders Wish You Happy Holidays

Christmas is always on the cards at Queen’s Park, regardless of COVID-19.

As Ontarians prepare for a second pandemic yuletide, their provincial political leaders are putting on a brave face with seasonal holiday greetings.

And with an election scheduled for June 2, MPPs from all parties are flooding the mailboxes and email inboxes of supporters and journalists to deliver Christmas wishes.

Prime Minister Doug Ford, the married father of four adult daughters, is featured on the front of this year’s card with his wife, Karla.

“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,” says your card, 3,000 of which will be mailed this year.

May your heart rise in praise this Christmas for the wonderful gift of Jesus and the joy it brings into our lives. Have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year, ”reads the inscription.

In recent years, Ford’s card included photos with Karla and her daughters, Kayla, Kara, Kyla and Krista, and her son-in-law Dave Haynes, a Toronto police officer apparently suspended for not being vaccinated.

Sources told the Star that Krista and Dave’s public stance against COVID-19 vaccines has been “personally painful” for the prime minister, who has ordered vaccines for all MPPs and progressive conservative candidates, with only one medically exempt. .

Ford has not commented on the couple’s anti-vax activities, but behind the scenes he has encouraged them to get their shots, as did former Tory Rep. Rick Nicholls, who was eventually expelled from the caucus in August for refusing to do so.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath, a single mother of an adult son, put the pandemic front and center on her Christmas card.

“Grateful,” reads the front with a montage of nine photos including a meeting of Horwath in a mask with frontline workers, including a personal protective equipment donation kit at the YMCA Hamilton, staff at a T&T supermarket and the team at Scarborough Education Bank.

“As I look back on what was such a difficult year for so many, in many ways, I am grateful for all those who helped Ontario get ahead,” the inscription reads.

“May the coming year be full of good health and joy!”

Horwath will send 11,250 physical cards and 75,000 more by email.

Liberal leader Steven Del Duca, who e-mails 300,000 cards, is not introducing his family this year.

In past cards, his wife, Utilia Amaral, daughters Talia and Grace, and dogs Hunter and Sammy have appeared in the Christmas greeting.

But with Ontario voters heading to the polls next spring, Del Duca opted to showcase 11 liberal candidates and the popular MPP Mitzie Hunter (Scarborough-Guildwood), a former cabinet minister.

“Greetings from Ontario Liberal Party Stations,” proclaims the card.

Appearing with the leader in several takes of the appointments are Chi Nguyen (Spadina – Fort York), Nadia Guerrera (York South Weston), Jill Promoli (Mississauga-Streetsville), Mariam Manaa (Burlington), Marjan Kasirlou (Aurora-Oak Ridges- Richmond Hill), Ida Li Preti (Humber-Black Creek River), Julie Mbengi Lutete (Etobicoke North), Laura Mirabella (Thornhill), Imran Mian (Mississauga-Erin Mills), Ted Hsu (Kingston and the Islands) and Sameera Ali ( Milton).

Green leader Mike Schreiner is distributing 2,200 cards to voters in Guelph and party supporters in Ontario.

As is tradition, Schreiner’s card features him with his wife, Sandy Welsh, with their daughters, Isabelle and Beata.

“Happy Holidays,” the card says.

Inside, there is an inscription that reads: “I wish you health, peace, prosperity and great happiness this holiday season and forever.”

Perhaps the most ambitious and inspiring card we received this year at the Star’s Queen’s Park office came from NDP MPP Rima Berns-McGown (Beaches-East York).

Features eye-catching original artwork by the Toronto artist. Avril wu and represents the Black Lives Matters and Every Child Matters protests, as well as people brandishing signs saying “No to COVID evictions” and “Housing is a human right.”

There are also messages to “support small businesses” and “buy local”.

Inside, an illustration shows Berns-McGown and his constituency staff at the Leuty Boathouse on the Beaches, home to a new mural by the Toronto artist. Jacquie comrie.

“The times of Covid have brought many challenges, many of them difficult and painful, but it has been an honor to fight alongside you for a better world. I will always support you ”, reads the inscription.

“I wish you and your families a beautiful vacation, a future full of hugs, and a happy and healthy New Year. With love, Rima “.

Robert Benzie is the bureau chief for Star’s Queen’s Park and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie