Bonnie Crombie, the leader of the Liberal Party, lost her seat in the Ontario legislature to Progressive-Conservative candidate Silvia Gualtieri in Mississauga East—Cooksville by a narrow margin. Despite this loss, Crombie has stated that she will continue to lead the party. The Liberals did make gains in the election, but they fell short of becoming the Official Opposition, with the title being retained by the Ontario New Democratic Party. The Liberals were leading or elected in 14 seats, just enough to achieve official party status, which comes with additional funding and debate rights in the legislature. Crombie remains committed to leading the party and is proud of the progress they made in the election.
Marit Stiles and the Ontario New Democratic Party maintained a somewhat status quo in the legislature, with Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives securing another majority government. The NDP were leading or elected in 25 seats, falling short of their previous 28 seats in the legislature before dissolution. Stiles’ victory in the Toronto riding of Davenport marked her first campaign as leader of the NDP. Crombie and Stiles both gave speeches acknowledging the results of the election and expressing their commitment to holding the government accountable in the future.
The Green Party, led by Mike Schriener, was leading or elected in two ridings, with Schriener securing re-election in Guelph. Stiles highlighted the party’s role in holding the government accountable with determination and optimism. Crombie, who previously served as the mayor of Mississauga, ran in Mississauga East—Cooksville in hopes of challenging the PC’s stronghold in the city. She emphasized the need for a strong voice to hold Premier Doug Ford accountable and vowed to continue fighting for a better Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford called the snap election at the end of January in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Ford sought a new, stronger mandate than the 79 seats he had at dissolution. Stiles cited the Trump threat in her remarks, emphasizing the importance of a united approach to overcome challenges. Ford’s opponents, including Crombie and the NDP, focused their campaigns on healthcare, affordability, and other key issues facing the province. Despite initial polling data showing a significant advantage for Ford, the campaign results showed a consistent lead for the PCs, with the Liberals and NDP falling behind.
Ultimately, Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives secured another majority government in the snap election, although with a smaller mandate than before. Both Crombie and Stiles expressed their commitment to continue advocating for their constituents and holding the government accountable. Crombie’s loss in Mississauga East—Cooksville did not deter her from leading the Liberal Party, as she remains determined to build on the party’s gains and work towards a better future for Ontario. The results of the election highlighted the ongoing political landscape in Ontario and the priorities of the various parties as they navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
