Ontario Liberals to Enter Leadership Race After Crombie Resignation
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The Ontario Liberal Party will embark on its third leadership contest as 2020, triggered by the unexpected resignation of Bonnie Crombie following a vote at the party’s annual general meeting. Despite narrowly securing enough support to remain leader – 57% voted against holding a new race, exceeding the required 50% threshold – Crombie announced she would step down once a successor is chosen.
The decision marks a dramatic shift from Crombie’s initial stance, where she argued a leadership race would be detrimental to the party’s progress. However,she stated in a release that she concluded facilitating an orderly transition was in the best interest of the Ontario Liberals. “I looked out at our audience today and thought about all the conversations I’ve had over the last few days,” Crombie said. “This is more importent than ego. This is more important than ambition. This is about the very thing that unites us all.”
The move comes after a weekend where delegates debated the party’s future direction. While Crombie’s position was affirmed by a slim margin, some within the party had publicly called for her departure if she failed to achieve a stronger show of support – ideally exceeding 66%.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford acknowledged Crombie’s years of public service, stating, “Politics demands a lot of personal sacrifice, including time away from family and loved ones. I wont to wish Bonnie all the best in her next chapter.”
The annual general meeting followed February’s provincial election, which saw the Liberals increase their seat count to 14, regaining official party status. though,the party fell short of forming the Official Opposition,and Crombie herself was not elected to a seat in the legislature.
Looking Ahead: Potential Candidates Emerge
The prospect of a new leader has already sparked discussion within the party. Noah Parker, an organizer with a group advocating for a leadership race, expressed optimism about the potential for renewed momentum. “Just look at what happened with our federal Liberals, and the complete excitement and new flurry of fundraising and donors, and of course, the complete 180 of the electoral prospects of that party consequently of a leadership contest,” Parker said. He believes a new leader could offer a fresh course to challenge the current Progressive Conservative government.
Several names are already being floated as potential contenders. Nate Erskine-Smith, who finished second in the 2023 leadership race, has signaled his interest in another run, stating he would make a decision “once the members have made theirs.” Parker has publicly endorsed Liberal MP Karina Gould as a strong candidate. Other individuals who competed in the 2023 contest include Liberal MP and former provincial cabinet minister Yasir Naqvi, and former Liberal MP and current provincial caucus member Ted Hsu.
Crombie’s Journey to Leadership
Crombie’s path to the leadership was marked by a diverse career and a commitment to public service. She detailed her upbringing to party members, emphasizing her humble beginnings. Her early life included challenges, with a father struggling with alcoholism and a childhood spent in a rooming house after her parents’ separation.
Before entering politics, Crombie held positions in the corporate world, including roles at McDonald’s, Disney, and the Insurance Bureau of Canada. She also founded a cosmetics company with a classmate from her MBA program. She served as the MP for Mississauga-Streetsville from 2008 to 2011. Following her federal electoral defeat, she was encouraged by Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion to pursue a role in municipal politics.
Crombie ultimately succeeded McCallion as mayor of Mississauga, serving three terms and establishing herself as a vocal critic of Premier Ford. During the 2023 leadership race, she highlighted her willingness to challenge the Premier. “I’ve had the opportunity to go toe to toe with Doug Ford on many occasions, and I no that I rankle him,” she stated during a debate. “And I think that’s a pretty good thing.”
The Ontario Liberal party now faces the task of navigating a leadership race and charting a course to regain broader public support. The coming months will be critical in determining the party’s future and its ability to present a viable choice to the current government.
