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3mo ago

Bonnie Crombie to Step Down as Ontario Liberal Leader After Narrow Confidence Vote

Party officials will set a leadership race timetable, reflecting calls for renewal after her 57% support.

Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie speaks on stage at her campaign headquarters during the Ontario provincial election in Mississauga, Ont., on Thursday, February 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
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A man unveils the podium at the Ontario Liberal Party annual general meeting in Toronto, on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Ontario Liberal Bonnie Crombie speaks after winning 57 per cent of the votes in a leadership review vote at the Ontario Liberal Party annual general meeting on Sunday.

Overview

  • Delegates at the Ontario Liberal AGM voted 57% against launching a new leadership contest, clearing the 50%+1 constitutional threshold yet falling short of the two‑thirds backing some members demanded.
  • After initially signaling she would remain, Crombie reversed course within hours and said she will resign once a successor is chosen to allow an orderly transition.
  • Party president Kathryn McGarry confirmed Crombie’s intention to step down upon the election of a new leader, with details of the leadership contest to be decided.
  • Grassroots organizers, including the New Leaf Liberals, and former leadership contender MP Nate Erskine‑Smith had urged a new race and a higher confidence bar as part of broader party renewal.
  • The February election lifted Liberals to 14 seats and restored official party status, but Crombie failed to win a seat and an internal debrief faulted the campaign’s emphasis on health care over affordability.