Marit Stiles
MPP
Stiles in 2014
Leader of the Opposition in Ontario
Assumed office
February 4, 2023
Preceded byPeter Tabuns
Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party
Assumed office
February 4, 2023
Preceded byPeter Tabuns (interim)
Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament
for Davenport
Assumed office
June 7, 2018
Preceded byCristina Martins
President of the New Democratic Party
In office
April 9, 2016 – February 18, 2018
Preceded byRebecca Blaikie
Succeeded byMathieu Vick
Other roles
2018–2022Opposition Critic for Education
2014–2018TDSB Trustee for Ward 9
Personal details
Born (1969-09-20) September 20, 1969
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Political partyOntario New Democratic
Other political
affiliations		New Democratic (federal)
SpouseJordan Berger
Children2
Residence(s)Toronto, Ontario
Alma materCarleton University (BA)
Occupation
  • Politician
  • policy researcher
WebsiteCampaign website
Constituency website

Marit Stiles MPP (/ˈmɑːrɪt/ MAR-rit;[1] born September 20, 1969) is a Canadian politician who has been the leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) and the leader of the Opposition since February 4, 2023. She has represented Davenport in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since June 7, 2018.

Born in Newfoundland, Stiles moved to Ontario to attend university. She worked as a policy researcher before becoming research and policy director with ACTRA. Stiles served as a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) trustee in 2014 and was the president of the federal NDP from 2016 to 2018, before her election as a member of Provincial Parliament (MPP).

Early life and career

Stiles was born on September 20,[2] 1969, in St. John's, Newfoundland, growing up in the communities of Long Pond and Logy Bay.[1] Her parents were Americans who had moved from Pennsylvania to Newfoundland in 1967 and settled on a small organic farm outside St John's, growing vegetables and raising goats, chickens, geese, rabbits and pigs.[1] Her father was an anthropology professor at Memorial University, who later became an energy conservation consultant in Canada and Africa.[1]

The name Marit is of Norwegian origin. She does not have Norwegian ancestry. The name came from family friends who were Norwegian. She has a younger sister named Enid who is a veterinarian outside of Montreal.[1]

While she first attended Memorial University, in 1988 Stiles moved to Ontario to attend university there.[1] Her first political involvement was in 1990 when she canvassed for Evelyn Gigantes along with her future partner Jordan Berger, a childhood friend whom she had run into at university.[1] She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in political science from Carleton University in 1992.[1][3][4]

She then worked in the office of Timmins MPP Gilles Bisson.[5][3][4] She worked for the Canadian Policy Research Networks in 1995, and as a researcher for the federal NDP's Ontario caucus from 1998 to 2004. Stiles went to work for the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) in 2005, where she was the director of research, public policy and communications.[4][6][7]

Political career

Stiles served as a trustee for the Toronto District School Board from 2014 until 2018,[8] and was the president of the federal New Democratic Party from 2016 to 2018.[4]

Member of Provincial Parliament

Contesting Davenport for the provincial NDP in the 2018 Ontario election, Stiles ran against Liberal incumbent Cristina Martins, who faced criticism for her government's handling of the Davenport Diamond rail overpass. Stiles campaigned for the electrification of the nearby GO Transit line and ensuring all “amenities” associated with the Davenport Diamond rail bridge are completed.[9][10] She defeated Martins, becoming the riding's second NDP MPP.[10][11]

Stiles was the party's education critic from 2018 to 2022.[12]

NDP leadership

Following the 2022 provincial election, the NDP remained in opposition and party leader Andrea Horwath stepped down. MPP Peter Tabuns became interim leader until the party could hold a leadership election in 2023. Stiles announced that she would run for NDP leader on September 22, 2022.[13] During her campaign, she received endorsements from eight fellow MPPs.[3]

During her campaign, Stiles outlined five priorities for the NDP and the province.[4] She ran on climate action by creating jobs in sustainable industries and investing in green infrastructure.[14] She called for "true reconciliation" by protecting Indigenous rights and addressing issues such as clean drinking water, treatment in the justice system and shelter.[14] Labour was another one of her priorities, and she has stated that she would like to focus on creating jobs where workers' rights and safety are respected.[14] Another commitment was reforming the province's electoral system and moving away from first-past-the-post.[14] Stiles has also criticized what she perceives as the Conservative's efforts to increase privatization of government services, and committed to improving public education, healthcare, and social security.[14]

The NDP announced on December 5, 2022, that Stiles was the only candidate in the leadership election, and hence leader-in-waiting.[15][16] While several other MPPs had explored running for leader, none were able to meet the entry requirements—which included raising a $55,000 fee—before the December 5 deadline.[3] She was scheduled to be acclaimed as leader on March 4, 2023, but the party's provincial council voted to move the date up to February 4.[15][17][18] Premier Doug Ford congratulated Stiles in a brief statement posted to Twitter stating "I'm looking forward to many spirited debates as we both strive to make Ontario the best place to live, work and raise a family."[19]

Stiles was formally confirmed on February 4, 2023, taking office as leader of the NDP and becoming the leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario.[20][21]

In October 2023, Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama was removed from the NDP caucus for failing to abide by the terms of an agreement between herself and Stiles by taking a "number of unilateral actions" without party endorsement, including statements regarding the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, being uncooperative with NDP colleagues, and threatening Premier Doug Ford with legal action without first consulting with her caucus.[22][23][24] Stiles had originally defended Jama, and had met privately with Jama beforehand, asking her to remove her statement and apologize; Jama subsequently apologized for her posts, but refused to remove the statement--in defiance of party direction--and instead pinned her statement to the top of her feed on X.[25][26][27][28] Jama said: "I don't plan on apologizing..."[29] As a result of her removal of Jama, the NDP was divided over the issue;[30] while concerns were expressed in the NDP that Jama had not been ejected sooner for refusing to remove her statement, with some in the NDP were critical of the political damage that resulted from the delay in expelling Jama (with one MPP having to be convinced not to quit the NDP over the delay), at the same time Stiles received criticism from some for her decision and faced calls to resign from the leadership by two constituency associations.[31]

Personal life

Stiles lives in Toronto with her husband Jordan Berger and their two daughters.[7] Berger ran for the NDP in Davenport in 2003.[16]

Election record

2022 Ontario general election: Davenport
Party Candidate Votes%±%
New DemocraticMarit Stiles20,24257.06-3.21
LiberalJerry Levitan6,81519.21+0.53
Progressive ConservativePaul Spence4,99414.08-1.09
GreenKaren Stephenson1,7104.82+1.28
Ontario PartyDiti Coutinho4001.12N/A
New BlueMario Bilusic3951.11N/A
LibertarianNunzio Venuto3751.06+0.6
CommunistJack Copple3260.92+0.59
IndependentNicholas Alexander1390.39N/A
IndependentSimon Fogel770.22N/A
Total valid votes 35,47399.24
Total rejected, unmarked and declined ballots 2720.76
Turnout 35,74542.34-16.09
Eligible voters 84,418
Source: Elections Ontario[32]
2018 Ontario general election: Davenport
Party Candidate Votes%±%
New DemocraticMarit Stiles27,61360.27+20.12
LiberalCristina Martins8,55818.68-26.93
Progressive ConservativeFederico Sanchez7,37016.09+8.62
GreenKirsten Snider1,6243.54-1.46
LibertarianNunzino Venuto2100.46-0.24
CommunistDave McKee1520.33-0.15
FreedomFranz Cauchi1270.28-0.03
People's Political PartyTroy Young960.21-0.10
IndependentChai Kalevar690.15N/A
Turnout 45,81958.43+8.83
Eligible voters 78,414
New Democratic gain from Liberal Swing +23.53
Source: Elections Ontario[33]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Can new NDP leader Marit Stiles take down Doug Ford?". The Star. February 5, 2023. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  2. ↑ @maritstiles (September 20, 2022). ""It's my birthday. And per usual Mom calls to remind me that I don't get to celebrate till 8:20 PM Newfoundland Time. And that the surgeon knocked her out, used forceps & she had to force the nuns to give me back so she could feed me. Then she giggles & tells me I was perfect🧡"". via Twitter. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Cook, Dustin (December 6, 2022). "Marit Stiles set to become Ontario NDP leader". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Dutil, Charley (December 7, 2022). "Qui est Marit Stiles, prochaine chef de l'opposition ontarienne?" [Who is Marit Stiles, Ontario's next opposition leader?]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  5. ↑ "Can new NDP leader Marit Stiles take down Doug Ford?". The Star. February 5, 2023. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Ms. Marit Stiles (Director, Public Policy and Communications, ACTRA – National) at the Industry, Science and Technology Committee | openparliament.ca". openparliament.ca. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  7. 1 2 "MPP Marit Stiles, Davenport". Leading Influence. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  8. ↑ "TDSB trustees petition ministry over policy change to access existing repair funds" Archived December 7, 2022, at the Wayback Machine. CityNews, November 2, 2017.
  9. ↑ "NDP's Marit Stiles takes Davenport from the Liberals". The Toronto Star. June 7, 2018. ISSN 0319-0781. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  10. 1 2 Mirror, Rahul Gupta | Scarborough. "NDP retakes Toronto Davenport". Toronto. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  11. ↑ "Election Night Results /Résultats du soir de l'élection". Elections Ontario. Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Marit Stiles | Legislative Assembly of Ontario". ola.org. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  13. ↑ Rushovy, Kristin (September 22, 2022). "Toronto MPP Marit Stiles first to announce she's running for Ontario NDP leader". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on October 2, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 "Marit Stiles for Ontario NDP Leader". Marit Stiles for Ontario NDP Leader. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  15. 1 2 Powers, Lucas (December 6, 2022). "Toronto MPP Marit Stiles set to be next leader of Ontario NDP". CBC News. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022.
  16. 1 2 "Marit Stiles wins an uncontested race to lead the Ontario NDP party". Toronto Star. December 6, 2022. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Marit Stiles only candidate in Ontario NDP leadership race". CTV Toronto. December 6, 2022. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Ontario NDP to confirm Marit Stiles as new leader on Feb. 4". CityNews. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  19. ↑ Powers, Lucas (December 6, 2022). "Toronto MPP Marit Stiles set to be next leader of Ontario NDP". CBC. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  20. ↑ "Marit Stiles officially confirmed as Ontario NDP leader by majority vote". Toronto. February 4, 2023. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Ontario NDP officially confirms Marit Stiles as leader by majority vote". CBC News. February 4, 2023.
  22. ↑ Allison Jones and Liam Casey (October 23, 2023). "Ontario Premier Ford's government passes motion to silence Hamilton legislator". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  23. ↑ Beattie, Samantha; Hristova, Bobby (October 23, 2023). "Ontario NDP kicks Hamilton MPP Sarah Jama from caucus after controversial Gaza comments". CBC News. Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  24. ↑ DeClerq, Katherine (October 24, 2023). "What to know about Sarah Jama's censure and ejection from NDP". CTV News Toronto. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Ontario NDP removes Sarah Jama from caucus after Israel-Hamas comments". Global News. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  26. ↑ Casaletto, Lucas; Ranger, Michael (October 23, 2023). "Ontario NDP MPP Sarah Jama removed from caucus". CityNews. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  27. ↑ Katherine DeClerq (October 24, 2023). "What to know about Sarah Jama's censure and ejection from NDP". CTV News. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Hamilton MPP kicked out of NDP caucus, censured by legislature; Sarah Jama was expelled from caucus and effectively silenced in the legislature for comments she made about the Israel-Hamas war". TVO Today. Archived from the original on November 15, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  29. ↑ Grant LaFleche (November 7, 2023). "'I don't plan on apologizing,' says Hamilton-Centre's Sarah Jama". The Spectator. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  30. ↑ Rushowy, Kristin; Ferguson, Rob (October 25, 2023). "MPP Sarah Jama's removal divides the NDP". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  31. ↑ DeClerq, Katherine (October 26, 2023). "Sarah Jama's removal from Ontario NDP prompts calls for leader's resignation and review". CP24. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Candidates in: Davenport (019)". Elections Ontario. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  33. ↑ "Summary of Valid Votes Cast for each Candidate" (PDF). Elections Ontario. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
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