Can Marit Stiles save Ontario's sliding New Democrats?

Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, August 3rd 2025 at 2:21 GMT by Toronto Star
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After a disappointing election defeat and a stunning collapse of the federal NDP, the leader of the Ontario party says she needs to give her members "reason to hope again."

Can Marit Stiles Save Ontario's Sliding New Democrats?

In the wake of a bruising electoral defeat and years of internal strife, the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) finds itself at a crossroads, with Marit Stiles stepping into the leadership role as a potential savior. The party's fortunes have been on a downward trajectory since its high-water mark in 2018, when it formed the official opposition under Andrea Horwath. But subsequent elections have seen the NDP lose ground, culminating in a dismal showing in 2022, where it shed seats and failed to capitalize on widespread dissatisfaction with Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives. Now, with Stiles at the helm, the question looms large: Can she revive a party that's been sliding into irrelevance, or will the NDP continue its descent in a province dominated by Ford's populist conservatism?

Stiles, a former school trustee and MPP for Davenport since 2018, ascended to the leadership unopposed in early 2023, following Horwath's resignation after four consecutive election losses. Her path to the top was unconventional; unlike previous leaders who faced contested races, Stiles benefited from a lack of challengers, which some insiders attribute to the party's exhaustion after years of infighting and electoral disappointments. Critics within the party whisper that this uncontested coronation might signal deeper malaise—a reluctance among potential leaders to take on what seems like a thankless task. Yet, Stiles brings a fresh perspective, rooted in her background as an activist and policy wonk, with a focus on issues like education, housing, and social justice. Her supporters see her as a bridge between the party's progressive base and the broader electorate, someone who can articulate a vision without the baggage of past failures.

The challenges facing Stiles are formidable. The Ontario NDP has been hemorrhaging support in key demographics, particularly in suburban and rural ridings where Ford's blend of fiscal conservatism and everyman appeal has resonated. In the 2022 election, the NDP's vote share dipped below 24%, a far cry from the 34% it garnered in 2018. Analysts point to several factors: a failure to differentiate from the Liberals, who under Steven Del Duca also struggled but have since shown signs of revival; internal divisions over strategy, including debates on whether to tack left or center; and a perception that the party is out of touch with working-class voters, many of whom have drifted to the Conservatives. Moreover, the NDP has grappled with scandals and missteps, such as the fallout from former MPP Joel Harden's controversial social media posts or the party's handling of labor disputes, which alienated some union allies.

Stiles has wasted no time in trying to chart a new course. In her early months as leader, she's emphasized a return to grassroots organizing, pledging to rebuild the party's presence in communities long neglected. "We're not just here to oppose; we're here to propose," she declared in a recent speech, outlining priorities like affordable housing, mental health support, and green energy initiatives. One of her bold moves has been to confront Ford directly on issues like the Greenbelt scandal, where the government's decision to open protected lands for development has sparked public outrage. Stiles has positioned the NDP as the foremost critic of what she calls "cronyism and corruption" in Ford's administration, aiming to peel away disillusioned Conservative voters. She's also worked to mend fences within the party, reaching out to moderates and progressives alike, including figures like Bhutila Karpoche and Jill Andrew, to foster unity.

Yet, skepticism abounds. Political observers note that Stiles lacks the charismatic flair of predecessors like Horwath or even federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. Her style is more cerebral—described by one colleague as "policy-driven rather than personality-driven"—which could be a strength in a post-pandemic era hungry for substance, but a liability in an age of soundbite politics. The NDP's financial woes add another layer of difficulty; fundraising has lagged behind the well-oiled machines of the Conservatives and Liberals, limiting campaign resources. In interviews with party members, there's a mix of hope and realism. A veteran organizer from northern Ontario expressed cautious optimism: "Marit's got the smarts, but she needs to connect with folks outside Toronto. We've lost the north, and without it, we're toast." Indeed, regional disparities plague the party; while it holds strong in urban centers like Toronto and Hamilton, its rural outreach has been anemic, allowing Ford to dominate in areas hit hard by economic shifts.

Stiles' personal story adds a compelling narrative to her leadership. Born in Newfoundland and raised in a family of activists—her father was a union organizer—she moved to Ontario and built a career in education advocacy. Before entering provincial politics, she served as the federal NDP's director of research, honing her skills in policy development. This background informs her approach, which prioritizes evidence-based solutions over ideological purity. For instance, on healthcare, she's advocated for expanding public services to address wait times, drawing on data from the pandemic's failures. On climate change, she's pushed for ambitious targets, aligning with the party's left wing while appealing to environmentally conscious moderates. Supporters argue this blend could attract younger voters, who turned out in lower numbers in 2022 but represent a growth opportunity.

The broader political landscape in Ontario complicates Stiles' mission. Doug Ford, despite controversies like the education workers' strike and healthcare privatization pushes, maintains high approval ratings, buoyed by economic recovery and targeted spending. The Liberals, now led by Bonnie Crombie, are resurgent, positioning themselves as the centrist alternative and potentially squeezing the NDP from the middle. Federal dynamics also play a role; with Justin Trudeau's Liberals facing fatigue, provincial NDP fortunes could be tied to national trends, especially if Singh's party falters in the next federal election.

To succeed, Stiles must navigate these headwinds with strategic acumen. She's already initiated a policy review process, engaging members in town halls to refresh the party's platform ahead of the next election, expected in 2026. Key proposals include rent controls, increased funding for public transit, and reforms to long-term care following the COVID-19 tragedies. She's also courting labor unions, traditionally a NDP stronghold, by supporting workers' rights bills and criticizing Ford's back-to-work legislation. In a nod to diversity, Stiles has elevated voices from marginalized communities within the caucus, aiming to broaden the party's appeal beyond its urban base.

Critics, however, warn that without a breakout moment—perhaps a by-election win or a major scandal that topples Ford—the NDP risks further marginalization. Historical parallels are drawn to past leaders like Howard Hampton, who kept the party afloat but couldn't break through. Stiles herself acknowledges the uphill battle: "We've got to earn back trust, one conversation at a time." Her team is focusing on digital outreach, leveraging social media to amplify messages on cost-of-living issues, where inflation and housing affordability are pinching Ontarians.

As the province grapples with post-pandemic recovery, economic inequality, and environmental concerns, the NDP under Stiles has an opening to redefine itself. Whether she can capitalize on it remains uncertain. Success will hinge on unifying the party, crafting a compelling narrative, and connecting with voters who've grown weary of the status quo. If she pulls it off, Stiles could not only save the NDP but reposition it as a viable governing force. Failure, though, might consign the party to the political wilderness, a cautionary tale of progressive ideals clashing with electoral realities. For now, all eyes are on Marit Stiles, the unassuming leader tasked with resurrecting Ontario's New Democrats from the brink. (Word count: 1,048)

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[ https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/can-marit-stiles-save-ontarios-sliding-new-democrats/article_96c418ef-af59-4fa6-bf62-b8830ef3254e.html ]

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Can Marit Stiles save Ontario's sliding New Democrats?

Can Marit Stiles Save Ontario's Sliding New Democrats?