Ontario Liberals set to make John Fraser interim leader

The Ontario Liberal caucus has nominated MPP John Fraser as interim leader, and party president Kathryn McGarry said full rules and timelines for the leadership race will be announced by Feb. 9.

Ontario's Liberal caucus has nominated MPP John Fraser to serve as interim leader while the party organizes a leadership contest. The nomination follows Bonnie Crombie's resignation after a lukewarm leadership review last fall and her defeat in the provincial election. Party president Kathryn McGarry told members that full details on rules, dates, deadlines and costs for the leadership race will be provided by Feb. 9. A formal confirmation vote by party bodies is expected in the coming days. Key points: - The caucus has nominated John Fraser, who represents Ottawa South and has been leading Liberal MPPs in the legislature. - Per the party constitution, a vote is still required by Liberal MPPs, presidents of riding associations for unrepresented ridings, and the party's executive council. - Kathryn McGarry said members will receive full leadership race details — including rules, dates, deadlines and costs — by Feb. 9. - Fraser has served as interim leader previously after 2018 and again after 2022 leadership changes, and would hold the role for a third time. - Several potential contenders are being mentioned, including MPPs Lee Fairclough, Adil Shamji, Stephanie Bowman and Rob Cerjanec, and outside figures such as Mike Crawley, Dr. Andrew Boozary and Nate Erskine Smith. Summary: The nomination is intended to provide continuity in the legislature while the party finalizes a timetable for a leadership contest. A confirmation vote by party officials and bodies is expected in the coming days, and full rules and timelines will be released by Feb. 9. Potential candidates have begun to circulate names, with a formal campaign period to follow once the race rules are announced.