Bonnie Crombie is facing a pivotal moment in her political career as Ontario Liberals prepare for a crucial leadership review this weekend. Following the party’s third-place finish in the snap election earlier this year, internal dissatisfaction emerged over the management of Crombie’s campaign.
In an effort to shore up support, Crombie has been engaging with party members across the province throughout the summer, reflecting on the successes and challenges of the election. The upcoming vote at the party’s annual general meeting will determine her future as the party leader.
According to the Liberal constitution, Crombie needs more than 50 percent approval in the review to retain her position. However, a faction within the party known as New Leaf Liberals is demanding a higher threshold of at least 66 percent for her continued leadership.
Expressing confidence in the upcoming review, Crombie emphasized the importance of unity within the party. Despite the Liberals securing official party status after winning 14 seats and achieving nearly 30 percent of the popular vote, they remain in third place in the legislature. Notably, Crombie herself failed to secure a seat in Mississauga.
The leadership review follows the release of an internal campaign debrief, which highlighted the party’s improved seat count and the successful bid to regain official party status. However, criticisms were raised regarding the campaign’s strategy, particularly the focus on health care and framing the election in relation to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Calls for fresh leadership within the party have surfaced, with the New Leaf Liberals advocating for a change in leadership following the campaign’s underwhelming results. Nathaniel Arfin, a co-founder of the group, expressed confidence that party members will support Crombie’s removal.
Despite the push for change, Crombie and her team are working to address campaign concerns and rebuild the party with the resources gained from official party status. While facing opposition, Crombie has received support from most of the party caucus and former premier Kathleen Wynne.
As the party prepares for the review votes on Sunday, the level of support for Crombie remains high within the party. Amid speculations about potential leadership changes, many believe that sticking with Crombie and enhancing her leadership skills is the way forward for the Ontario Liberals.