'Worrisome' when NDP candidates veer off platform, says Andrea Horwath

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath says it worries her when hercandidates express different policy opinions than those in the party's platform.

Horwath was a guest on CBC Radio'sOntario Todayon Thursday and wasasked about candidates who have expressed policy opinions that break with the party's platform.

One candidate, Joel Harden, is running in Ottawa Centre, whereanalysts see theNDPhaving a chance at taking a seat from the Liberals.

At an all-candidates debate last week, Harden told the crowd while the officialNDPpolicy on funding Catholic school boards is to essentiallysupport the status quo, his personal belief is the public and Catholic school boards should be merged.

"It is worrisome when Ihear these things as a leader,"Horwathsaid.

"When people are vetted they're asked to sign on to the values and specifics of our platform. They're committing to stay in tune with what we're bringing forward."

'Worrisome' when candidates veer off platform, Horwath says

6 years ago

Duration 0:32

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says candidates are asked to commit to party values as part of the vetting process.

Increased scrutiny

Horwath was also asked about increased attacks on NDP candidateswhich analysts have said match the party'srise in the polls.

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Particularly, host Rita Celli asked aboutthe Progressive Conservative focus on what they're calling "radical"candidates who have been portrayed asSept. 11 conspiracy theorists and anotherwho is against wearing Remembrance Day poppies.

"[On] the issue of the poppies and other personal opinions people have, [those] are opinions people carry all over the world," Horwath said.

"What I'm confident in is that every member of our team is completely in favour of and supportive of our platform and is prepared to work very hard to deliver the change Ontario needs."

She added there are many people who say and do things they regret later.

Horwath also talked abouthydro, provincial debt and a potential minority government scenario during the hour-long show.

Liberal leader Kathleen Wynnewas on the show last week, Green Party leader Mike Schreiner is scheduled to be a guest on Tuesday and the Progressive Conservatives have told CBCthey won't make leader Doug Ford available.