The Ontario Provincial Election 2025 has concluded, and the results reveal significant political shifts across Ottawa, with notable wins for the Liberal Party. These outcomes set the stage for future governance as the city continues to grapple with pressing issues such as health care, housing, and public transit.
Among the most significant victories was Lucille Collard's overwhelming re-election as the MPP for Ottawa-Vanier, a seat held by the Liberals since 1971. Collard returned to the stage to thunderous chants and applause, declaring, "This re-election means we can continue to build, and I know there’s so much more than needs to be done." With over 21,000 votes, Collard secured more than 51 percent of the riding's total votes, triumphing over Progressive Conservative candidate Marilissa Gosselin, who garnered only 9,263 votes.
Throughout her campaign, Collard emphasized the importance of health care, affordable housing, and education. She stated, "It doesn’t matter where you are in life, health care is an important issue," reflecting her priorities moving forward. Supporters of the Liberal campaign expressed gratitude for the voter turnout and the evident trust placed in Collard to navigate pressing community issues.
Chandra Pasma, another incumbent, retained her seat for the NDP in Ottawa West-Nepean, winning out over several challengers, including Conservatives and Liberals, with 20,088 votes—almost half of the ballot total. "What an honour. I am so grateful to the people of Ottawa West for putting their trust in me once again," Pasma commented, connecting her victory to widespread public support for her party's stance against the incumbent policies of Doug Ford. During the campaign, Pasma highlighted her vision of making health care accessible and ensuring every resident has safe, affordable housing.
Meanwhile, Tyler Watt emerged victorious as the Liberal’s newly elected MPP for Nepean, succeeding long-time Progressive Conservative Lisa MacLeod. Watt expressed his excitement over his win, stating, "I was nervous going... it’s just [a] really incredible experience." His victory contributes to the Liberals' growth within the city where they now hold five out of nine available seats following this election.
George Darouze, previously serving as Ottawa’s Osgoode city councillor, reclaimed the Carleton seat for the Progressive Conservatives during the election. With his experience as municipal politicians, both Darouze and Watt bring governance experience to their new roles. Darouze celebrated his victory by remarking, "I'm feeling very humble. I'm very happy," and credited his team's perseverance during their winter campaign. This victory showcases the potential shifting tides of political support within the region.
These victories come at a time when Ottawa faces burning issues, particularly around health care and housing. The Ontario College of Family Physicians reported alarming statistics last November, estimating 165,000 residents lacked access to primary health care, which could reach 318,000 by 2026 without urgent intervention. This reality was highlighted by voters, making it clear they expect new legislators to take decisive action and not merely campaign on empty promises.
Housing affordability remains another significant issue; with the latest local reports showing nearly 3,000 individuals experienced homelessness last year. The calls for more supportive and affordable housing options have been amplified within the political discourse, and newly elected officials will need to prioritize immediate solutions.
The focus on educational institutions also cannot be overlooked following this election. Ottawa's post-secondary schools are facing substantial financial deficits, causing institutions like Algonquin College to take drastic measures, including program cuts and campus closures. Public discourse suggests these cuts could stifle innovation and youth retention—a concern voiced during the election periods.
Despite retaining four existing seats, the Liberal Party's overall strength has grown within the city, contrasting with the NDP's continued appeal rooted primarily within urban areas. The final election results also remind local officials of the importance of community involvement as the Liberals look to leverage their position within the Ontario legislature to advocate for much-needed change.
Going forward, the pressure will be on these new MPPs to deliver on their campaign promises and effectively address the very real issues facing their constituents. The comeback of the Liberals and the continued strength of the NDP signal to both the local and provincial governments the necessity for coordinated efforts to tackle health, housing, and education challenges.
Indeed, Ottawa residents are counting on these elected officials to not only listen to their concerns but act decisively. With the new election results in hand, the stage is set for increased engagement between constituents and their representatives—while the path of governance will require navigation through both challenges and opportunities as Ontario looks to the future.