Mississauga mayor to take leave of absence to focus on Ontario Liberal leadership bid

Bonnie Crombie says she will be taking an unpaid leave of absence from her role as the mayor of Mississauga in order to focus on her bid to become leader of the Ontario Liberals.

In a statement issued Thursday, Crombie says she will spend the coming months connecting with Ontario Liberals in an effort to “re-energize” the party.

“I know the city is in good hands with a remarkably talented team of councillors and city staff,” the statement reads.

“As I take this leave, I want to thank my council colleagues and staff for their ongoing support and hard work.”

Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative Party issued a statement criticizing Crombie for taking a leave of absence.

“It must be nice to take a prolonged vacation from your job,” the statement reads.

“It’s clear Bonnie only sees being mayor as a backup plan rather than what it is: a full-time job. She’s hedging her bets on becoming leader of the Ontario Liberals when she should be serving the people of Mississauga. Classic Bonnie: It’s always about her.”

READ MORE: Mississauga, Ont., Mayor Bonnie Crombie launches Ontario Liberal leadership bid

Crombie has been mayor of Mississauga since 2014 and previously served as a Liberal MP from 2008 to 2011.

She entered the Ontario Liberal leadership race in June.

The party has been without a leader since Stephen Del Duca resigned from the position in June 2022 after losing the provincial election. John Fraser has been the interim leader since August 2022.

Ontario Liberals are slated to vote for their new leader through ranked ballots on Nov. 25 and 26, with the results to be shared Dec. 2.

The first of five Liberal leadership candidate debates is scheduled for Thursday in Thunder Bay.

The next Ontario election is set for the spring of 2026.

READ MORE: Ontario Liberals to hold 5 leadership debates, starting Sept. 14