Who would you vote for to be the next Premier of ONTARIO?

The March 10 Progressive Conservative leadership contest is can’t-miss viewing in Ontario with a provincial vote looming this spring.

True, the departure of controversial former leader Patrick Brown, who abandoned his improbable comeback bid on Feb. 26 after 10 tumultuous days, has robbed the PC psychodrama of a key actor.

But boasting a cast of characters that includes iconic political names like Ford and Mulroney, a patrician party stalwart who has lost twice before, and an energetic newcomer from the far right, the stage is still set for a blockbuster.

Voting online is March 2-8 and the winner will be announced two days later in Markham.

Here are the four remaining candidates vying for the chance to unseat Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals in the June 7 election:

Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership candidates:

Christine Elliott

AGE: 62

HOMETOWN: Oshawa/Whitby

OCCUPATION: Lawyer, former Ontario Patient Ombudsman

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Served as MPP for Whitby-Oshawa for nine years; ran unsuccessfully for PC leadership in 2009 (placing third) and 2015 (placing second)

ICONIC CONSERVATIVE RELATIVES: Her late husband, Jim Flaherty, former federal and provincial finance minister and runner-up in the 2002 and 2004 PC leadership races

FAMILY: Three adult sons

PLATFORM:

• Opposes carbon tax
• Says parents should be consulted on sex education

“What we need is someone who’s ready to go now and that’s me. I do have the experience and within a few months of an election that’s really important. Having to win your seat (for the first time) then having to win the province within a few months is not an easy thing to do — and that’s where I think the experience counts.”

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Doug Ford

AGE: 53

HOMETOWN: Etobicoke

OCCUPATION: President, Deco Labels and Flexible Packaging (family business); co-author Ford Nation: Two Brothers, One Vision — The True Story of the People’s Mayor

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: One-term city councillor; 2014 Toronto mayoralty candidate (placing second)

ICONIC CONSERVATIVE RELATIVES: His younger brother and former Toronto mayor, the late Rob Ford; father Doug Ford Sr., MPP

FAMILY: Four adult daughters; wife Karla Ford

PLATFORM:

• Opposes carbon tax
• Would re-open sex-education curriculum debate
• Would review all Ontario lesson plans

“If I am elected leader, I will take this (sex ed) issue to the party, to parents and to the voters. I will remain firm on this issue. I have always respected the taxpayer. I have always opposed the carbon tax. And I will always stand for parents having the first say in what their children learn.”

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Caroline Mulroney

AGE: 43

HOMETOWN: Born in Montreal, lives in Toronto

OCCUPATION: Investment executive

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: First-time candidate in York-Simcoe

ICONIC CONSERVATIVE RELATIVES: Her father, former prime minister Brian Mulroney

FAMILY: Two daughters and two sons; husband Andrew Lapham

PLATFORM:

• Opposes carbon tax
• Would not re-open sex education debate

“I’m the candidate that’s new, who’s fresh and can offer a new perspective on how we can get Ontario back on track. It’s been 15 years of Liberal government, and people are sick and tired. They really want something completely new, something different.”

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Tanya Granic Allen

AGE: 37

HOMETOWN: Raised in Toronto, lives in Welbeck, Grey County

OCCUPATION: Political and organizational consultant, president of Parents As First Educators

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Conservative activist, rally organizer

ICONIC CONSERVATIVE RELATIVES: None

FAMILY: Three girls, one boy; husband Jonathan

PLATFORM:

• Repeal the Liberal government’s updated sex-education curriculum

“I’m running for PC Leader to be a strong voice for those who have been shut-out — that includes opponents of Kathleen Wynne’s sex-ed curriculum, pro-lifers, free speech advocates, and social conservatives. They need a voice and I’m here to be that voice.”