Ontario NDP Returns to Queen’s Park Ready to Strengthen Ontario

Stiles calls on Ford government to deliver relief, protect jobs, and work across party lines to chart a stronger economic course

QUEEN’S PARK — As the 44th Parliament begins, Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP are returning to the legislature with a focused team, a renewed mandate as the Official Opposition, and a clear message: it’s time to strengthen Ontario.

In the weeks leading up to the session, the Official Opposition has named a 27-member Shadow Cabinet, established a Leader’s Advisory Council on Tariffs and Economic Security, and convened a Working Group on Critical Minerals and the Ring of Fire.

Leader of the Official Opposition Marit Stiles has also reached out to the Premier’s Office to offer collaboration on a tariff relief plan that protects Ontario jobs and industries.

“The people of Ontario have given this government another mandate — and now the stakes couldn’t be higher,” said Stiles. “Trump’s reckless tariffs are shaking confidence in our economy. And people are asking the right question: Why wasn’t Ontario in a stronger position to begin with?

“This is the moment for leadership that’s focused, collaborative, and grounded in solutions. We’ll bring forward proposals to protect workers and jobs, strengthen our economy, and make sure people can count on their government to take care of them. And we’re calling on the government to meet that moment with us.”

Stiles said the Official Opposition’s focus this session is simple and urgent: look after people, get Ontario building, and grow our economy — so Ontarians have the stability and support they deserve.

That means:

Look After People:The Ontario NDP will fight for real income supports for affected workers and emergency funding for exposed industries to protect jobs, alongside tough measures to stop manufacturers and equipment from leaving the province. Hiring more health care workers, reducing wait times and keeping ERs open are key to taking care of people and attracting investment.

Get Ontario Building: Get moving quickly on building thousands of affordable homes and accelerate public infrastructure projects, including school repairs, to keep people working; invest in training and apprenticeships in the skilled trades to build a resilient workforce.

Grow Our Economy: Launch a Buy Ontario and Buy Canadian directive for public agencies and bolster efforts to find new markets for Ontario goods and services in Canada and with our democratic allies abroad; Address the chronic underfunding of our post-secondary institutions to drive innovation.

“In moments like this, Ontarians expect their government to work — and to be serious, steady, and focused on results,” said Stiles. “That’s the approach we’re bringing to Queen’s Park — and we expect the government to rise to the occasion.”