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Former federal cabinet minister Navdeep Bains is contemplating a return to politics with a potential leadership bid for the Ontario Liberal Party, a move that could significantly reshape the provincial political scene. Several party members, both federal and provincial, have voiced their encouragement for Bains to enter the race, indicating that he is seriously considering this opportunity.
A Political Comeback
Bains, who stepped away from public office in 2021 after serving 13 years, held prominent positions within Justin Trudeau’s government, including Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Currently, he is the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Rogers Communications. Despite his absence from the political arena, his name has resurfaced as a potential candidate for the leadership vacated by Bonnie Crombie earlier this year.
Crombie’s resignation followed a disappointing result in the recent provincial elections, where she failed to secure a seat in Mississauga, despite revitalising the party’s official status in the 2025 campaign. The Ontario Liberals, now in third place in the legislature, are looking to elect their third leader in just eight years, with the leadership convention set for November 21.
Support from Party Members
Numerous Liberal figures are rallying behind Bains, highlighting the excitement surrounding his possible candidacy. Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi, who ran for provincial leader in 2023, believes that Bains possesses the qualities necessary to rejuvenate the party. “Nav has a very strong reputation within the party—he’s a dedicated Liberal, known for his thoughtfulness and hard work,” Naqvi remarked. “What we need right now is someone who can effectively organise and build the party, and Navdeep has the experience to do just that.”
Iqwinder Gaheer, a two-term MP from Mississauga-Malton, echoed this sentiment, calling Bains’s potential entry “the best thing for the Ontario Liberal Party.” Gaheer noted the palpable energy at the recent federal Liberal convention in Montreal, where Bains was seen mingling with party veterans and grassroots supporters.
Andrea Hazell, a Liberal MPP, described Bains’s possible candidacy as “an amazing opportunity” for both him and the party. Former Ontario Liberal Party president Siloni Waraich also expressed optimism, recalling her involvement in Bains’s early political career and stating that he could re-engage Liberals who have been disheartened in recent years.
Competition in the Race
While Bains is still weighing his options, the leadership contest is shaping up to be competitive. Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, who has already begun his campaign for the leadership, is expected to be a notable contender. With a decade of federal political experience, Erskine-Smith has garnered significant name recognition and is also seeking the provincial nomination in Scarborough Southwest.
In response to Bains’s potential candidacy, Erskine-Smith’s spokesperson stated, “A competitive leadership contest will strengthen the Ontario Liberal Party. Navdeep brings experience and seriousness to the race, and that will make our party better.”
Premier Doug Ford, addressing the speculation around Bains, remained unfazed, dismissing concerns about who might run against him. “You could run Mickey Mouse against me, Donald Duck. I don’t care. I’m focusing on Ontario,” Ford stated during a recent transit announcement.
Why it Matters
Bains’s possible return to politics could not only energise the Ontario Liberal Party but also provide a strategic response to the dominance of the Progressive Conservatives under Doug Ford. With party unity and leadership a pressing concern, Bains’s experience could be pivotal in galvanising support and revitalising the party’s prospects. As the Ontario Liberals prepare for their leadership election, the stakes are high, and the outcome may significantly influence the province’s political landscape in the coming years.
