Lee Fairclough OLP Leadership Campaign blog

Ontario Liberal leadership race heats up as Stephanie Smyth endorses Lee Fairclough

Team Lee — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:50:11 GMT

As Published in the Globe and Mail

Liberal MPP Lee Fairclough is gaining support for her bid to lead the Ontario Liberal Party, with three caucus members now endorsing her as the best choice to take on Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives in the next election.

Among them is veteran broadcaster-turned-politician Stephanie Smyth, who says Ms. Fairclough is the “perfect foil” to Mr. Ford.

Ms. Fairclough, a former hospital executive and national women’s rugby player first elected to the legislature last year, is pitching herself as a capable leader focused on the problems plaguing the province.

She enjoys politics, she said, and will do it her way.

“I care a lot about democracy, and I care about integrity in our democracy,” Ms. Fairclough said.

Ms. Fairclough – who explains the pronunciation of her name (fair-cluff) by saying her mother taught her, “You’re rough, and you’re tough, and your name is Fairclough” – is the second official candidate in the Ontario Liberal leadership race, and the only one so far to hold a seat in the legislature. Dylan Marando, a former political staffer, has also declared his candidacy.

The race has garnered significant attention with the fallout from the Ontario Liberal nomination race in Toronto’s Scarborough Southwest earlier this month. Federal Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith had hoped to be the provincial candidate in a yet-to-be-called by-election in the riding, which was seen as the first step in his plan to run for Ontario Liberal leader.

But he lost the contest to businessman Ahsanul Hafiz by 19 votes, and has appealed the result, calling on the party to redo the race which he alleges was plagued by serious irregularities. The party has defended the process, and an arbitration committee held a hearing to discuss the allegations on Wednesday, with a decision expected in days.

It is not yet known if Mr. Erskine-Smith – who says he will resign as a federal MP this summer – will still run for party leader. Another member of the Ontario Liberal caucus, Ajax MPP Rob Cerjanec, has been travelling the province and is widely expected to run. Former Trudeau-era cabinet minister, Navdeep Bains, is also seriously considering a bid. The party will announce its new leader on Nov. 21.

Liberals are hoping for a resurgence from the political wilderness after coming third in three elections since 2018. Under former leader Bonnie Crombie, the party returned to official party status in 2025 with 14 MPPs, and Mr. Ford has been struggling with recent controversies such as the purchase and hasty return of a $28.9-million jet and changes to freedom of information laws.

“I think people are ready for a serious government, and I feel that they are not getting that today from this government,” Ms. Fairclough said in a sitdown interview with The Globe this week alongside Ms. Smyth.

Ms. Fairclough recently introduced a private member’s bill that would have banned the advertising and promotion of online gambling in Ontario, but it failed after the Progressive Conservatives voted against it.

For Ms. Smyth, Ms. Fairclough – a former radiation therapist who later became president of St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener, Ont. – represents authenticity.

“You’re not going to see Lee with a bottle of Crown Royal pouring it out, or you know, whatever the gimmicks are, the populist things that we’ve seen with Doug Ford that tend to distract,” Ms. Smyth said, referring to Mr. Ford’s viral moment last year in which he poured whisky on the ground at a news conference to protest the closing of a bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ont.

She added that Ms. Fairclough has been touring the province, talking to Liberal Party members about their concerns.

“This is someone who cares so deeply, contrasting to a government that been really careless with our health care, with our education, with affordability.”

Ms. Smyth made the leap to politics after three decades in media, including as the former managing editor and anchor at news station CP24. She’s had her own run-ins with Mr. Ford, including when he told the legislature last month that the reason she got elected was because “CP24 didn’t want her any more.” He later called her to apologize.

“I think we agreed that we want to work to a higher standard,” Ms. Smyth said.

Kingston MPP Ted Hsu – who also ran for party leader in 2023 – and Ottawa MPP Lucille Collard are also backing Ms. Fairclough.

Ms. Fairclough represents a riding in Mr. Ford’s backyard of Etobicoke, in west Toronto. But she hails from Southhampton, on Lake Huron near Owen Sound, and said she will endeavour to represent the entire province.

When she visits other areas of Ontario, such as the southwestern city of Sarnia, Ms. Fairclough said she repeatedly hears about the Premier’s fixation with his city.

“The first words out of their mouth is like, ‘Can we please have a Premier that is not just focused on being the mayor of Toronto?’” she said.

Mr. Ford’s planned expansion of the Billy Bishop airport in downtown Toronto also has her worried.

“I don’t trust what he will do with the Toronto islands and with the waterfront more generally,” she said. “I really want a Premier that is going to focus on the issues for the whole province again.”

Toronto Star Op-Ed: Here’s someone who might lead Liberals

Team Lee — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

As published in the Toronto Star on May 16

By Martin Regg Cohn

In other news … look who’s running to be leader of Ontario’s Liberals.

Not still struggling to win a seat.

Lee Fairclough already has one.

Fairclough is the MPP for Etobicoke Lakeshore. She snatched the riding from Doug Ford’s Tories in the last election after years of slogging and slugging it out against her political adversaries in so-called “Ford Nation” territory.

Never mind the latest Scarborough Southwest soap opera pitting Liberals against Liberals in a disputed byelection nomination race. That riding was chosen by Nate Erskine-Smith as a stepping stone for his leadership ambitions, but he lost to entrepreneur Ahsanul Hafiz last weekend and is now challenging the result.

Let’s zoom out for a moment.

Amid the internecine squabbling, Fairclough is finding her feet and making tracks. While political junkies were obsessing over Scarborough last week, the Etobicoke MPP was criss-crossing the province, laying the groundwork for a grassroots campaign.

What has she learned from her travels — from Windsor to Timmins, with stops in Sarnia and Thunder Bay along the way?

“I want to say this because I think it’s important,” Fairclough tells me in her MPPs’ office at Queen’s Park.

“I was just up in Timmins. The people up in Timmins are not waking up every day saying, ‘What’s happening in Scarborough Southwest?’

“Right? They care about the issues: ‘Is my emergency department open today? Are my kids getting the schooling that they need? Do we have enough housing for the new industry that’s coming into town?’

“And I think as Liberals we’ve got to stay focused on these issues as we look ahead at this race.”

Fairclough formally entered the leadership campaign earlier this month to get a jump on her undeclared rivals: Erskine-Smith, still the MP for Beaches—East York; former federal cabinet minister Navdeep Bains; and Ajax MPP Rob Cerjanec (former political aide Dylan Marando has also declared).

How will she stand out from the crowd?

First, she has a seat in a party that has precious few — the Liberals finished third in the seat count, winning a mere 14 in the last election. As an Etobicoke MPP, “I’m the furthest west” in the Liberal caucus, she notes ruefully.

Fairclough, 52, is a former hospital president who also worked as senior vice-president of clinical care for Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. But before ascending the health-care summit, she was a front-line medical radiation therapist who later got a master’s degree in health administration. After first seeing the cracks in the health-care system, and now witnessing the divisions in the Liberal party, she promises to rebuild both from the ground up.

But to lead the way she first wants to build a team.

Fairclough has been a captain for Canada’s national rugby team and competed for the varsity swimming team at U of T. How does competitive sports help her in the blood sport of politics?

“What I love most about rugby is there’s a position on the field for every kind of capability, body type — I had the tall woman’s position,” the 6-foot Fairclough tells me.

“We need a leader who knows how to be a team player and knows how to lead teams. Partisan politics is a team sport, and I think it’s really critical for us right now as Liberals.”

One might add that rugby scrums are also good training for journalistic scrums (lest you duck them on a rainy bad news day). What’s interesting about Fairclough is that she is chipper, not chippy, exuding authenticity and curiosity in a field of towering egos.

All that said, Fairclough is relatively new to politics, unlike the political veterans she is competing against. But she comes across as a grown-up with growth potential — a fighter who got up off the mat after losing her riding narrowly on her first try in 2022.

“I wasn’t that 15-year-old who dreamed of being premier one day,” she muses. “I was a 15-year-old who was going to work in health care until I was 80, but … people are looking for somebody that will be serious about government, that will bring back the focus to things like affordability in health care and education in a serious way.”

Fairclough is the party critic on homelessness, and has collaborated publicly across party lines with the Greens on that issue. She is also passionate about problem gambling, arguing that young men are being suckered by predatory advertising.

So far, Fairclough has won endorsements from former cabinet ministers and two fellow MPPs, and is touting more teammates to come. Rugby, like politics, is about carrying the ball but also knowing when to pass the ball.

In a previous column I suggested that Liberals had to decide on two related questions — what and who could defeat Doug Ford’s Tories, in terms of both policy and personality. Given the Scarborough sideshow that has consumed the cognoscenti of late, there’s a third question for Liberals:

Who can keep the team together and pass the ball in a tough game? Not whining but winning?

Lee Fairclough Will Keep Fighting for a Total Ban on Predatory Online Gambling Ads

Team Lee — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:17:22 GMT

TORONTO, ON – Today, Ontario MPPs voted on a Bill introduced by Lee Fairclough, MPP for Etobicoke—Lakeshore, Liberal Critic for Hospitals, Mental Health, Addictions, and Homelessness, to ban online gambling advertising in Ontario. Despite clear-cut evidence that online gambling ads are fuelling a public health crisis, the Ford Conservatives refused to take action to protect Ontarians from the harms of online gambling ads.

“The human cost of online gambling addiction is staggering – it’s damaging people’s health, increasing demand for addictions services, driving people deeper into debt, and ruining families,” said Fairclough.

“The Conservatives’ decision to privatize online gambling opened the door to predatory advertising that is designed to be addictive.”

Research shows that Canadians with problem gambling are four times more likely to think about suicide.

“As a mom of two teenage boys, I see how these ads try to exploit young males,” said Fairclough. “Last year, $83 billion was wagered in online gambling in Ontario. This money is coming out of the pockets of young people who can least afford it.” The Canadian Paediatric Society reports that gambling starts as young as 9 or 10 years of age.

“As I visit communities like Thunder Bay, St. Catharines, Almonte, Ottawa and in my own Toronto riding, this bill is resonating everywhere,” said Fairclough. “I want to thank the thousands of people who have signed the petition to ban online gambling ads and the many more who are speaking out about this preventable crisis.”

“I called on all MPPs to protect the people they serve – to vote with their conscience and support this bill,” said Fairclough. “In the end, Ford’s Conservatives failed to take responsibility for their damaging policy choices.”

“I’ve heard loud and clear from every corner of this province that people want the government to protect their health and put an end to online gambling ads,” said Fairclough. “The Ontario Liberal Party will keep fighting until there is a total ban on these insidious ads.”

The World Health Organization, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Psychological Association, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health all recommend significant guardrails for online gambling advertising, similar to restrictions on ads for tobacco and other addictive products.

The Private Members Bill was co-sponsored by MPP Stephen Blais, MPP Ted Hsu, and MPP John Fraser and unanimously supported by the Ontario Liberal Party and all opposition members in the Legislature.

Lee Fairclough Announces Ontario Liberal Party Leadership Bid

Team Lee — Fri, 08 May 2026 01:57:28 GMT

Fighting for a Better Ontario

Toronto, ON, May 8, 2026 — Lee Fairclough, MPP for Etobicoke—Lakeshore, today announced her candidacy for Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, outlining a bold vision for a unified Liberal movement and an Ontario that works for everyone.

“After eight years of the Conservatives, life is harder and more expensive, and people are falling behind,” said Fairclough. “As Premier, I’d wake up every morning focused on making people’s lives better by investing in essential services, restoring transparency, and rebuilding trust in government.”

Lee started her career on the frontlines delivering cancer treatment. As a former hospital president, and member of Canada’s National Women’s Rugby Team, Fairclough is an experienced leader who builds winning teams, leads with integrity, and delivers results when it matters most.

Fairclough would bring the provincial government back to doing its job: Making daily life affordable, strong public healthcare, and an education system that puts students first:

A vibrant economy that supports families in every corner of the province.
Investing in public education and healthcare for our future and economic prosperity.
Tackling the wait time crisis and focusing on delivering high quality, accessible adolescent mental health and addiction care, home care and rural health services. Focusing on outcomes, including reporting on hallway healthcare again.
Earning teachers’ trust and working together to support student achievement – with smaller class sizes, mental health care, and support for students who need it.
Fighting for democracy, by restoring local decision-making and ending the concentration of power in the Premier’s Office. Repealing Bill 97 – so that freedom of information laws serve citizens, not protect government secrecy.

“As mother of two teenage sons and a daughter of aging parents, I’m deeply committed to fixing the damage that’s been done in this province,” said Fairclough. “Together, we can do better in Ontario.”

Fairclough says the values of teamwork, resilience and service she learned growing up in Bruce County and playing rugby for Team Canada define her life and leadership. “Politics is a team sport. If we meet this moment together, Ontario’s best days are still ahead,” says Fairclough.

Lee is supported by a Readiness Committee composed of business, civic and public sector leaders, former and current MPPs, MPs and municipal officials, Young Liberals and party leaders from across all regions of Ontario.

Media contact:
Emma Fortunato
media@leefairclough.ca

“I believe that Lee Fairclough is the leader we need to earn the trust and confidence of voters, to win seats across the province, and to lead Ontario after the next election. My impression has only been solidified by working together with Lee, using our seats in the Legislature to oppose the Ford government at every turn, but always doing politics in a first-class way. Lee has the perseverance and fighting spirit to lead us into the next election campaign and beyond.”

Ted Hsu, MPP
Kingston and the Islands

“Lee is the kind of leader who can not only defeat Ford, but also rebuild a strong, grassroots movement that truly reflects all Ontarians. Lee brings real-world experience, a sharp focus on what matters most, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach. At a time when people are looking for leadership they can trust, leadership that understands their daily realities and is ready to act – Lee is that leader."

Lucille Collard, MPP
Ottawa–Vanier

“Lee is a strong, inclusive, and relentless leader. She is brilliant, hardworking and represents Liberal values in her daily work. Lee is a refreshing change in today’s polarized world, and I would be proud to call her my leader.”

Honourable Deb Matthews, Former Deputy Premier
Province of Ontario

“In my role as the Toronto (EDEY) Regional Coordinator for the Ontario Young Liberals, I’ve seen Lee consistently show up, listen and invest in the work of building up our party while prioritizing the voices of youth and the issues facing them. Lee has the ability to bridge the rural urban divide and unify the different groups within our party to build a winning coalition which sets her apart. I look forward to working with Lee to deliver the results Ontarians have been asking for.”

Luke Calabretta, Regional Coordinator
Etobicoke/Downtown/East York (EDEY)
Ontario Young Liberals

Lee Fairclough OLP Leadership Campaign blog

Ontario Liberal leadership race heats up as Stephanie Smyth endorses Lee Fairclough

Toronto Star Op-Ed: Here’s someone who might lead Liberals

Lee Fairclough Will Keep Fighting for a Total Ban on Predatory Online Gambling Ads

Lee Fairclough Announces Ontario Liberal Party Leadership Bid

Fighting for a Better OntarioToronto, ON, May 8, 2026 — Lee Fairclough, MPP for Etobicoke—Lakeshore, today announced her candidacy for Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, outlining a bold vision for a unified Liberal movement and an Ontario that works for everyone.

Lee started her career on the frontlines delivering cancer treatment. As a former hospital president, and member of Canada’s National Women’s Rugby Team, Fairclough is an experienced leader who builds winning teams, leads with integrity, and delivers results when it matters most.

Fairclough would bring the provincial government back to doing its job: Making daily life affordable, strong public healthcare, and an education system that puts students first:

A vibrant economy that supports families in every corner of the province.

Investing in public education and healthcare for our future and economic prosperity.

Tackling the wait time crisis and focusing on delivering high quality, accessible adolescent mental health and addiction care, home care and rural health services. Focusing on outcomes, including reporting on hallway healthcare again.

Earning teachers’ trust and working together to support student achievement – with smaller class sizes, mental health care, and support for students who need it.

Fighting for democracy, by restoring local decision-making and ending the concentration of power in the Premier’s Office. Repealing Bill 97 – so that freedom of information laws serve citizens, not protect government secrecy.

“As mother of two teenage sons and a daughter of aging parents, I’m deeply committed to fixing the damage that’s been done in this province,” said Fairclough. “Together, we can do better in Ontario.”

Fairclough says the values of teamwork, resilience and service she learned growing up in Bruce County and playing rugby for Team Canada define her life and leadership. “Politics is a team sport. If we meet this moment together, Ontario’s best days are still ahead,” says Fairclough.

Lee is supported by a Readiness Committee composed of business, civic and public sector leaders, former and current MPPs, MPs and municipal officials, Young Liberals and party leaders from across all regions of Ontario.

Media contact:Emma Fortunatomedia@leefairclough.ca

Fighting for a Better Ontario

Toronto, ON, May 8, 2026 — Lee Fairclough, MPP for Etobicoke—Lakeshore, today announced her candidacy for Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, outlining a bold vision for a unified Liberal movement and an Ontario that works for everyone.

Media contact:
Emma Fortunato
media@leefairclough.ca