TORONTO - With the election less than a week away, the three major political leaders are sticking around vote-rich southern Ontario again today.

Dalton McGuinty is in Brampton, Toronto and Kawartha Lakes while Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is in Ajax and Toronto.

Andrea Horwath takes the New Democrat campaign to London, Sarnia and then Windsor.

Horwath said Thursday that concern that her rise in popularity could lead to a Tory government is a Liberal scare tactic.

Polls suggest that it's a dead heat between the Liberals and Tories and Horwath has found herself gaining ground after a better-than-expected performance in Tuesday's televised debate.

"People really want to make their own choices, they're tired of being told how to vote and how not to vote," Horwath said.

McGuinty continued to stress the uncertain economy, saying the Liberals are taking "sensible, serious" steps to deal with the worsening global economy.

The premier promised to roll out a tax credit for home renovations 15 months early in an effort to stir up new jobs.

"It would be nice to think that the looming clouds are dissipating, but in fact they appear to be gathering," he said.

Throughout the campaign, McGuinty has played up his government's success in pulling through a rough recession, saying his sensible fiscal approach would ensure the province stays on track.

Hudak again took aim at McGuinty, calling a promise to roll out a home-renovation tax credit earlier than expected Liberal scrambling.

The Tory leader also pointed to Liberal plan to scrap construction on a gas-fired power plant west of Toronto.

"Dalton McGuinty looks panicked and on the run," Hudak said.

"He had a power plant, that for six years he said was necessary, in Mississauga, and then 11 days before the campaign, he pulls the plug," Hudak said.

"And now -- what are we, seven days from the campaign, from the election day? -- and he's got some brand new, last-minute, panicked jobs plan?"

For voters wanting to cast their ballot before voting day, Friday is the last day for advance polling.

Qualified electors whose names are not on the voters list can get their name added by providing proof of identity and proof of residence at an advance poll.