Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP), celebrated her re-election in the Davenport riding during the provincial elections held on February 25, 2025. Despite the NDP failing to unseat Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative Party (PC), which is projected to secure its third consecutive majority government, the evening marked significant wins for Stiles and her party, including achieving official opposition status.
Shortly after the polls closed at 9 p.m., with 43 of 52 polling results reported, Stiles was projected to win with 57.23% of the votes, totaling 21,326 out of 37,263 cast. Her main opponents, Paulo Pereira from the Liberal Party of Ontario and Nick Pavlov representing the Conservative Party, trailed behind with 7,564 and 6,701 votes respectively.
Stiles' supporters gathered at The Great Hall on Queen St. W., adorned with vibrant orange NDP placards, where the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The crowd erupted when Stiles was declared the winner of her riding, chanting, "NDP! NDP! NDP!" The celebration crescendoed when it was announced the NDP had achieved official opposition status, marking another milestone for the party.
During her victory speech, set to the tune of Shania Twain's classic "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!", Stiles addressed the jubilant crowd. "We set out in this election to form a government on your side," she asserted, acknowledging the mixed results and the electorate's decision to retain PC authority. "Now the results aren't everything we hoped, but the people of Ontario made their choice," she emphasized, pledging to serve as their official opposition and work diligently for the constituents.
Stiles, who is 55 and a mother of two daughters, is no stranger to the political arena. She was first elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Davenport in 2018 and previously served as the president of the NDP. Recognized for her commitment to social issues, Stiles campaigned on revitalizing healthcare, bringing back rent control, and ensuring the province shoulders 50% of the Toronto Transit Commission’s operating costs.
Reflecting on her campaign, Stiles highlighted the pressing need for affordability and improved health care, stating, "The people of Ontario can trust me and my team to do a different but also very important job — to serve the people of Ontario as their official Opposition." Her experience includes work as a policy researcher and as the political director for the Alliance of Canadian Cinema and Television Artists, showcasing her extensive involvement with the community.
The election came shortly after Doug Ford's sudden call for snap elections, which created unique difficulties for opposition parties, forcing them to quickly adjust their strategies during the rare winter campaign. The dynamics encouraged Stiles and her NDP team to remain grounded and focused on their constituents’ needs, leveraging issues such as healthcare to forge connections.
During her campaign, Stiles was not without challenges—she was briefly interrupted by a lone male protestor who accused her of "genocide," but security intervened swiftly. This incident, far from detracting from her message, only seemed to energize her supporters. The campaign rally featured food from local Toronto caterer Miski, with cheerleading culminations around Stiles playing on the main-floor stage.
With Stiles now embarking on her third term as MPP, her community ties and prior achievements forge resilience for the road ahead. She strives to balance the political climate under Ford's leadership with her intentions to simplify conditions for Ontario's residents, creating pathways through challenges posed by U.S. trade policies, including tariffs laid down by President Donald Trump.
Overall, Stiles’ re-election as the leader of the NDP cements her position not only as a local representative but as a significant voice amid Ontario’s shifting political arenas. The NDP's official opposition status will serve as a counterweight to the Ford administration, setting the stage for upcoming dialogues on healthcare expenditure and social support reforms. Stiles’ political narrative promises to weave community-driven agendas through the fabric of government practices, as she informs, advocates, and engages with the public.