2023 Ontario New Democratic Party leadership election
← 2009 February 4, 2023
 
Candidate Marit Stiles
Riding Davenport
First ballot Acclaimed
Leader before election

Peter Tabuns (Interim)

 Elected Leader

Marit Stiles

2023 Ontario New Democratic Party leadership election
DateFebruary 4, 2023
ConventionMetro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario[1]
Resigning leaderAndrea Horwath
Won byMarit Stiles
Ballots0 (acclamation)
Candidates1
Entrance Fee$55,000
Spending limit$900,000[2]
Ontario CCF/NDP leadership conventions 1942 · 1946 · 1953 · 1961 · 1968 · 1970 · 1978 · 1982 · 1986 · 1996 · 2009 · 2023

The 2023 Ontario New Democratic Party leadership election was held in Toronto, on February 4, 2023.[3] The leadership election was called after ONDP leader Andrea Horwath announced her resignation on June 2, 2022, in her concession speech on the night of the 2022 Ontario general election, in which the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario won a second consecutive majority government under Doug Ford.

Horwath led the party through four provincial elections since winning the March 2009 Ontario New Democratic Party leadership election. Under her leadership, the party increased its seat count in the legislature in 2011, 2014, forming Official Opposition in 2018, before losing seats, while remaining Official Opposition, in 2022. Former education critic Marit Stiles was the sole candidate in the contest when nominations closed on December 5. Accordingly, she was acclaimed leader on February 4. The vote was initially expected to be held on March 4, but the NDP provincial council moved the date up to February 4.[4]

Background

In the 2022 general election, the Ontario New Democrats saw a decline support over their 2018 result, remaining as official opposition with 31 seats, a loss of nine seats as well as almost 10 percentage points in its share of the popular vote. The NDP finished third in the popular vote, about 5,000 votes behind the Ontario Liberal Party who finished second in the popular vote, but third place in seat count.

On the night of the election, Horwath announced her resignation as party leader, stating that she would step down as soon as the NDP picks an interim leader.[5] After receiving the unanimous endorsement of the party's newly elected caucus, Peter Tabuns was subsequently selected as interim leader by the party's provincial council on June 28, 2022.[6]

Rules and procedures

In the past, the Ontario NDP has used a traditional delegated leadership convention to select its leaders in which delegates elected by local riding associations, campus clubs, labour union locals affiliated with the party choose the leader. However, at its January 2007 provincial convention, the Ontario NDP amended its constitution bringing in a one member one vote procedure modelled on that used by the federal New Democratic Party in its 2003 federal leadership election in which the votes of all party members is weighted to 75% of the total with the remaining 25% being allocated to the party's affiliates (mostly labour unions).

The ONDP constitution (Article 8, Section 1.4) stipulates that:

In July 2022, the party announced that the leadership vote will conclude by the first week of March 2023. They outlined the requirements for entry, which include a $55,000 entry fee ($5,000 of which is due "up front"), and 100 signatures from party members, including 50 from women, 25 from members of equity-seeking groups, and 20 from members in specific geographic regions.[8][9]

Timeline

Acclaimed candidate

Marit Stiles

Marit Stiles Campaign Logo
Background: MPP for Davenport (2018–present), former President of the federal NDP (2016–2018),[12][13][14] national director of research, public policy and communications for ACTRA, and a trustee on the Toronto District School Board (2014–2018).
Date announced: September 22, 2022[15]
Date registered with Elections Ontario: September 21, 2022[16]
Campaign website: Marit Stiles
Endorsements of Marit Stiles
MPPs: (8)
Unions: (2)
Former MPPs: (2)
Former Candidates (1)
Total endorsements: 13

Declined

Opinion polling

NDP supporters

Polling firm Last date of polling Sample
size 		Link Margin of
error 		Jill Andrew Charlie Angus Jeff Burch Wayne Gates Laura Mae Lindo Sol Mamakwa Gurratan Singh Jennie Stevens Marit Stiles Other
Probit Inc. November 29, 2022 630 [47] ± 3.9% 9% 31% 2% 4% 4% 5% 2% 2% 36% Doly Begum 1%
Joel Harden (write-in) 1%
Michael Mantha 1%
Peter Tabuns (write-in) 1%
Jamie West 1%
Other 2%

References

  1. ^ @OntarioNDP (February 4, 2023). "The room is getting full, and the show is about to start! Find us in Rm 107 in the North Building at the MTCC" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  2. ^ "Ontario NDP sets leadership vote for next spring". Blackburnnews.com. July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  3. ^ Callan, Isaac (July 16, 2022). "Ontario NDP to appoint new leader in early 2023". Global News. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  4. ^ "CityNews".
  5. ^ Rushowy, Kristin (June 2, 2022). "Andrea Horwath resigns as Ontario NDP leader". Toronto Star. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  6. ^ "Ontario NDP names Peter Tabuns interim leader". CBC News. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  7. ^ "Constitution of the New Democratic Party of Ontario" (PDF). Ontario New Democratic Party. June 16, 2019.
  8. ^ "Ontario NDP sets rules for leadership contest naming new party head by March". CTV News. July 16, 2022. Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  9. ^ Callan, Issac (July 16, 2022). "Ontario NDP to appoint new leader in early 2023". Global News. Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d "Leadership Campaign Guidelines" (PDF). Ontariondp.ca. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  11. ^ "Ontario NDP sets rules for leadership contest naming new party head by March 2023". CBC News. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c "New Democrats and Liberals on the hunt for new leaders after Tory landslide". The Toronto Star. June 3, 2022.
  13. ^ a b Gray, Jeff; Cook, Dustin (June 3, 2022). "Doug Ford says Ontario election results show his party has broadened its appeal". The Globe and Mail.
  14. ^ a b Regg Cohn, Martin (September 9, 2022). "Ontario Liberals need to remake their image. Is a fresh federal transplant the fix?". Toronto Star. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  15. ^ Rushowy, Kristin (September 22, 2022). "Toronto MPP Marit Stiles first to announce she's running for Ontario NDP leader". Toronto Star.
  16. ^ "Leadership Contests registered with Elections Ontario - 2023 New Democratic Party of Ontario Leadership Contest". Elections Ontario. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  17. ^ a b c "Here at the Marit Stiles kickoff, Stiles is being introduced by MPPs Chandra Pasma and Kristyn Wong-Tam, with Bhutila Karpoche present as well". September 22, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  18. ^ @JessicaBellTO (September 23, 2022). "Proud to stand by our colleague and champion of justice @maritstiles as she announces she's running for Ontario NDP leader" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  19. ^ "Marit Stiles on Instagram: "Welcome to the team, @tomrakocevic ! Tom is a tireless advocate for his community and an MPP who gets results. Grateful for his support as we work to build a stronger NDP that can defeat Ford and give people a government that works for them."".
  20. ^ "Marit Stiles on Instagram: "Whether it's helping tenants, fighting for safer, stronger schools, or advocating to end Islamophobia and all forms of hate, London North Centre MPP Terence Kernaghan always stands up for his community. Honoured to have his support as we work to win a better Ontario for all. Become a member and join our campaign at the link in my bio."".
  21. ^ "Marit Stiles on Instagram: "Honoured to have the support of London West MPP & NDP House Leader @peggysattlerndp. From advancing electoral reform to tirelessly fighting for paid sick days, Peggy has dedicated her work to building a better province. Glad to have her onside as we start a new chapter for the NDP! Thanks Peggy!"".
  22. ^ "Marit Stiles on Instagram: "Jennifer always stands up for her community and our province. She fought alongside local auto workers to defend good jobs, she stood with the families of Orchard Villa when Ford wanted to renew their license despite the tragedy in the home, and now she is out there fighting back against Ford's attack on the Greenbelt in her region. Jennifer's tenacity makes her a great MPP, and I'm glad she's on the team as we start this exciting new chapter for our party and our province. #onpoli #ondp"".
  23. ^ Cook, Dustin (December 6, 2022). "Marit Stiles set to become Ontario NDP leader". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  24. ^ USW District 6 [@uswdistrict6] (November 25, 2022). "We are proud to announce that we are endorsing @maritstiles to be the next leader of the @OntarioNDP! Director Sullivan: I am confident Marit will provide strong leadership to our party during a time when Ontario needs it the most. More: https://t.co/k8LxEMr2cd #CanLab #OnPoli https://t.co/wwfpc5u6lg" (Tweet). Retrieved December 4, 2022 – via Twitter.((cite web)): CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ @CheriDiNovo (September 22, 2022). "Guess who's running for leader?? Guess who's supporting her!!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  26. ^ @SuzeMorrison (September 22, 2022). "I am so proud & can't wait to elect Marit as Ontario's next Premier!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  27. ^ @iamjendeck (September 22, 2022). "I'm beyond thrilled to stand with @maritstiles as she announces her run for Leader of the Ontario NDP!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  28. ^ "MPP Jill Andrew Teases NDP Leadership Interest". QP Briefing. July 27, 2022.
  29. ^ D'Mello, Colin [@ColinDMello] (December 5, 2022). "NEW: Chris Glover will not run for the NDP leadership. Jill Andrew confirmed she has filed some paperwork, but has yet to make he decision final. So far, just Marit Stiles in the race to replace Andrea Horwath. #onpoli https://t.co/N9SKNA6bDx" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ "What Doug Ford's blue-collar victory means for Canada's progressives". Politico. June 10, 2022.
  31. ^ a b "Could the Ontario NDP look to Niagara for its next leader?". The Welland Tribune. June 3, 2022.
  32. ^ a b "Kitchener MPP Laura Mae Lindo won't seek NDP leadership". CBC News. November 29, 2022.
  33. ^ Jones, Allison (November 22, 2022). "Ontario NDP leadership race deadline nears; only 1 candidate declared". Global News. The Canadian Press. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  34. ^ Glover, Chris [@ChrisGloverNDP] (December 5, 2022). "After careful consideration, I have decided not to enter the Ontario NDP Leadership race. I want to thank all of the people who came forward to support me. It's just not the right time for me. 1/3 #ONpoli" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022 – via Twitter.
  35. ^ Gates, Wayne [@Wayne_Gates] (December 2, 2022). "Please see my statement below regarding the Ontario NDP leadership race: https://t.co/UOXQot68Py" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2022 – via Twitter.
  36. ^ "Gelinas not running for Ontario NDP leadership". Northernontario.ctvnews.ca. June 3, 2022.
  37. ^ Pinkerton, Charlie [@CharliePinkerto] (June 9, 2022). "NEW: Matthew Green, the federal NDP MP for Hamilton Centre, says he will *NOT* be running to become Ontario NDP leader. Some party members hoped he'd run. (1/🧵)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 9, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2022 – via Twitter.
  38. ^ "Joel Harden not seeking Ontario NDP leadership". CityNews Ottawa. July 13, 2022. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  39. ^ "Two potential leadership candidates say they represent the diversity Ontario's NDP needs". St. Catharines Standard. June 23, 2022.
  40. ^ Greenberg, Courtney (July 27, 2022). "Mike Layton steps down as city councillor, says isn't running for Ontario NDP top job". National Post. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  41. ^ Mamakwa, Sol [@solmamakwa] (December 2, 2022). "#kiiwetinoong #ontario #onpoli https://t.co/tRCXFvs4mN" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2022 – via Twitter.
  42. ^ "Ontario NDP interim leader vows Doug Ford won't get 'free pass'". Globalnews.ca.
  43. ^ "Gurratan Singh Contemplating Ontario NDP Leadership Run". Qpbriefing.com. June 29, 2022.
  44. ^ Southern, Richard; Morton, Michelle (June 7, 2022). "Ford to possibly reveal cabinet within weeks, budget within month". CityNews. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  45. ^ Jackson, Hannah; D'Mello, Colin; Bingley, Matthew (June 13, 2022). "Ontario NDP to recommend long-time MPP Peter Tabuns as interim leader: party source". Global News. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  46. ^ "Timiskaming--Cochrane's John Vanthof won't seek NDP leadership". Timminstoday.com.
  47. ^ @EarlWashburn (December 1, 2022). "The deadline for nominations in next year's Ontario NDP leadership race is on Monday, and so far only Marit Stiles has announced she is running. According to our @ProbitInc omnibus poll, only Charlie Angus could pose a threat to her, but he is not likely to run. #onpoli" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
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