Progressive Conservative candidates across Ontario expressed relief yesterday that they will have time to consult with constituents on the contentious issue of religious-school funding - and that they will be allowed to reflect that feedback in a free vote.
Some Conservatives said if their party wins next week's election, they would continue to support bringing faith-based schools under the public umbrella because it's a matter of fairness.
Others said the people of their riding have spoken loudly against the divisive proposal that has threatened to sink the campaign of Leader John Tory.
But a large number - including many of those who had previously stood on one side or the other - said Mr. Tory's decision to allow a free vote provided an opportunity for lengthy discussions before any real action is taken.
"There is some concern that people have been expressing to us at the doors about the policy," said Christine Elliott, the Conservative incumbent in Whitby-Oshawa, "and they have clearly indicated that they want to be involved in any decision making."
Mr. Tory's decision also allows other important issues that have not been debated to come to the fore, she said, so "there is no question this does make it a little bit easier."
Julia Munro, the Tory incumbent in York-Simcoe, said she couldn't possibly make up her mind about how she would vote on a piece of legislation that does not yet exist. But the delay, she said, is helpful.
"There's been some concern. To suggest less would be not true," Ms. Munro said. "And when I explain that there's an implementation process, that it would probably be about two years before you would actually see anything come forward in the way of draft legislation, then people are certainly comforted by that."
Bob Runciman, who is running again in Leeds-Grenville, supports the principle of funding religious schools and said he still believes it is wrong to give money to one faith group - the Roman Catholics - to the exclusion of others.
"But, having said that, there may be elements of the legislation, at the end of the day, that I would have difficulty with and my constituents would not be prepared to accept," Mr. Runciman said.
Likewise, he said, it would not be fair to state an intention to vote against the measure. "We have to see what the end product looks like."
That wait-and-see position was reflected by candidates contacted by The Globe and Mail in all parts of the province from Guelph to Windsor to the far north.
Mr. Tory is "listening to the people," said Steve Kidd who is running for the seat in Timmins-James Bay. "There's a message there that there are many divergent views. He's recognizing that by bringing it to a free vote. I'll be listening to everyone and will use my own judgment, and will make a decision on how to vote on the bill."
Some candidates such as Toby Barrett in Haldimand-Norfolk, where a lengthy aboriginal occupation is consuming public attention, said the question of religious-school funding was simply not being raised by voters.
But in other regions, it has dominated the campaign.
Rob Morley, the PC running in Huron-Bruce, said: "I have heard it very loud and clear on the streets that people are not looking at that change."
Tara Crugnale in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek said she has not seen this level of racism in response to any issue since 9/11 and for that reason she would have to reject it. And Matt Stanson in Kitchener Centre, said: "It's become increasingly clear that the people in Kitchener Centre have spoken ... If elected on Oct. 10, I will be voting against faith-based school funding."
But there are many Conservative candidates who continue to back Mr. Tory's plan.
"I still believe it's a question of equality, inclusion and fairness," said Trina Morissette, the party's candidate in Ottawa Centre. "I'm the product of the Catholic system, so it would be very hypocritical of me to vote against it and not allow other faiths to have the education I had."
