One of the top-ranking members of the Ontario Liberal Party from the northern region expressed surprise at the sudden departure of Bonnie Crombie. Following a convention where only 57% of the membership supported her, Crombie, the former mayor of Mississauga, announced her intention to step down as party leader once a successor is chosen. Despite holding the position for just over two years, her decision came as a shock to many.
David Farrow, the president of the Sudbury riding association, remarked that there were expectations for a stronger endorsement of Bonnie. Farrow, who was also elected as the executive vice-president of the Ontario Liberal Party at the same event, acknowledged the need for significant rebuilding efforts, particularly in the northern regions where Liberal candidates consistently placed third in the elections.
Farrow emphasized the urgency to accelerate candidate selection processes to avoid last-minute preparations during elections. The news of Crombie’s resignation is still fresh for many Liberals, and Farrow highlighted the importance of establishing clear rules and timelines for the upcoming leadership race, which is deemed crucial for the party’s future.
Similarly, Stephen Margarit, the Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay-Atikokan in the previous election and now the party’s regional vice-president for northern Ontario, expressed his surprise at Crombie’s resignation. Margarit stressed the importance of strong grassroots campaigns in all northern ridings to engage with voters effectively.
Former Sudbury Liberal MPP Glenn Thibeault, who was not taken aback by Crombie’s decision, mentioned the necessity for the party to extend its reach beyond urban areas and rebuild trust in rural and northern regions. Thibeault highlighted the significance of connecting with voters in various communities to enhance the party’s representation outside major urban centers.
Although the Liberal party once held a majority of seats in northern Ontario, they currently lack MPPs in the region. Thibeault disclosed receiving inquiries from party members about his potential candidacy for provincial leadership but expressed reservations due to the demanding nature of the role. He stressed the need for a concerted effort to engage with diverse communities across the province for the party to broaden its MPP count beyond urban strongholds.
