OTTAWA- After a devastating loss in the Ontario provincial election, Steven Del Duca stepped down as Ontario’s Liberal Party leader leaving a giant question mark over the future of the Ontario Liberal Party.
Once again, John Fraser has stepped in to fill the void of leadership as selected members of the party have unanimously selected Fraser as interim leader.
“I am honoured that my Ontario Liberal caucus colleagues have put my name forward to serve as our party’s next Interim Leader,” said Fraser. “I am grateful to have their trust and look forward to the work ahead as we rebuild our party and continue our fight for Ontarians.”
This is the second time Fraser was selected as interim leader. Back in 2018, Fraser was selected after Premier Kathleen Wynne’s devastating loss to Doug Ford Conservatives. He remained as interim leader until 2020 when Del Duca took over. From there, Fraser held the role of House Leader in the Ontario Legislature.
“John is a strong and experienced leader with deep roots in the Ontario Liberal Party,” said Brian Johns, current Party President. “I saw firsthand John’s dedication to reconnecting with our grassroots members and to rebuilding our party during his first term as Interim Leader. I know that he will continue to work tirelessly as we navigate this important moment in our party’s history.”
Before 2018, Fraser has severed as Ottawa South’s MPP and played an important role in the Wynne government. Fraser was on several standing committees including Social Policy, Public Accounts, Emergency Management Oversight, and Regulation and Private Bill.
Notably, Fraser sponsored several private member's bills including Bill 53, The Protecting Passenger Safety Act 2014, which would stiffen penalties for individuals who transport passengers for compensation without a licence, permit, or authorization.
As MPP, Fraser led an integral in ensuring all children have their vision tested before entering senior kindergarten as well as introducing legislation aimed at protecting vulnerable workers and increasing transparency in government.
Earlier in his political career, he also served as the assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources, and the Minister of Northern Development and Mine.
