OTTAWA – Ontario Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) and former cabinet minister Karina Gould has announced that she will not be pursuing the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party. This decision comes after she had initially begun exploring the possibility of running when Bonnie Crombie declared her intention to resign from the party's leadership in September, following a leadership review.
Gould, who previously finished third in the federal Liberal leadership contest, trailing Prime Minister Mark Carney and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, faced considerable encouragement from various individuals to consider a campaign for the provincial party's leadership. Despite these calls of support, Gould ultimately concluded that she could be more effective in her current role as the MP for Burlington. She emphasized her commitment to representing her constituents, particularly as they have been adversely affected by U.S. tariffs on steel and the auto sector.
During her political career, Gould served in the federal cabinet for eight years under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during which time she held various portfolios. However, she has not been included in Mark Carney's cabinet team following the recent federal election. This omission has sparked discussions regarding her political future and influence within the party.
Gould's decision reflects a strategic choice to remain focused on her responsibilities as an MP rather than engaging in the potentially divisive factional fight for party leadership. Her constituents in Burlington have expressed concerns about economic challenges due to international trade policies, inspiring Gould to prioritize their needs over a leadership bid.
The political landscape in Ontario remains dynamic following Crombie's leadership review, and Gould's announcement brings clarity to the party's future direction as other potential candidates might rise to fill the void. As the Ontario Liberal Party seeks to regain its footing, Gould’s presence as an incumbent MP could prove crucial in navigating the complex political environment ahead.
The initial report detailing Gould's decision was published by The Canadian Press on December 9, 2025. As discussions within the Ontario Liberal Party continue, it remains to be seen how this will influence party dynamics and upcoming electoral strategies.
