Marit Stiles confirmed as new Ontario NDP leader
February 4, 2023 3:37pm
The Ontario NDP has confirmed Marit Stiles is the new leader of the party.
Stiles, who has served as MPP for Davenport since 2018, ran unopposed for leadership of the Ontario NDP.
On Saturday, New Democrats from across Ontario gathered for an event in Toronto to celebrate the new leader of the Official Opposition.
What a day – thank you to everyone who joined us in Toronto and over the livestream!
Our strength is in our numbers, and this is the moment to bring in more people than ever before into our movement.
So today, let’s celebrate @maritstiles. And tomorrow, let’s get right to work. pic.twitter.com/kUrl1RvfEk
— Ontario NDP (@OntarioNDP) February 4, 2023
As leader of the party, Stiles is set to run for premier in the next provincial election.
“Today, we start the countdown to the end of Doug Ford’s disastrous government, and the beginning of a better, brighter future for Ontario,” said Stiles. “People are counting us. They are counting on a strong NDP to put forward a positive vision for our province and win more for people, and that work starts right now.”
The 44th Ontario general election is tentatively scheduled for June 4, 2026.
“Winning more for people means fixing health care instead of selling it off. It means building homes you can actually afford without paving over wetlands. And it means a fairer economy with good jobs and more opportunity,” Stiles added.
The new Ontario NDP leader takes on the role after Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns, who has served as interim leader of the party since Andrea Horwath resigned in 2022.
Stiles agenda includes urgent climate action, true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and creating better jobs for all.
Her candidacy was supported with signatures from over 100 Ontarians, many of whom were women, people with disabilities, as well as Black, Indigenous, and racialized people.
Ontario NDP president Janelle Brady voiced her support for Stiles taking on the esteemed role.
“This is a big moment for our party and our province. People across Ontario want and need a strong progressive champion that will fight to make life better, and we have that in Marit Stiles,” she said.
