Wynne to become first female premier of Ontario
Posted January 26, 2013 7:54 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
History was made at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens on Saturday when after three ballots Liberal delegates chose Kathleen Wynne to become their leader and the first female premier of Ontario.
“This was the easy part,” Wynne said after her victory was secured.
“Now we have the challenges ahead of us and we’re going to need all of us working together.”
Wynne says she’ll get right to work and recall the prorogued legislature by Feb. 19.
“We’re going to build on the work that Dalton McGuinty has done over the last nine years.”
Sandra Pupatello held the lead after two ballots, but saw her seemingly secure position crumble as key players crossed the floor to back her rival.
Both Gerard Kennedy and Charles Sousa withdrew after finishing third and fourth respectively in the second round of voting, and threw their collective support behind Wynne.
Eric Hoskins also supported Wynne, while Harinder Takhar backed Pupatello.
The final ballot saw Wynne take 1,150 votes compared to Pupatello’s 866.
Pupatellos was gracious in defeat. “I am delighted when I see the Ontario Liberal party coming together for a spectacular candidate,” she said of Wynne. “I am thrilled for us.”
Wynne, 59, will also become Ontario’s first openly gay premier when she officially replaces outgoing McGuinty.
“Is Ontario ready for a gay premier? she said during her emotive convention speech. “There was a time, not that long ago, when most of us in this race would not have been deemed suitable…but this province has changed.”
“I do not believe that the people of Ontario judge their leaders on the basis of race, sexual orientation, colour or religion, I don’t believe they hold that prejudice in their hearts.”
“They judge us on our merits…”
Wynne spent 10 years as an MPP before claiming the top job in the Ontario Liberal party on Saturday.
She’s held a variety of cabinet positions including: Minister of Education, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
The former school trustee and small business owner is married to Jane Rounthwaite and has three children.
