Ontario NDP caucus recommends Peter Tabuns as interim leader: Sources

The Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) caucus has recommended Peter Tabuns serve as interim leader of the party, which would make him the temporary leader of the opposition, sources tell CityNews.

The party’s leadership still needs to finalize the decision. The 70-year-old Tabuns has been an NDP MPP in the of Toronto-Danforth riding since 2006.

In two weeks, the NDP will hold its provincial council meeting, where its executive committee will decide on the interim leader. A date is also expected to be named for the leadership convention at that event.

Sources tell CityNews the NDP is likely to target a shorter campaign period for the party leadership, with the aim likely being to have the leadership convention completed within four to six months.

Andrea Horwath served as leader of the Ontario NDP from 2009 to 2022. She announced her pending resignation as NDP leader on June 2 after losing to Ontario Premier Doug Ford in the provincial election.

Horwath stepped down despite the party regaining Official Opposition status. In an emotional speech, Horwath said it was “time for me to pass the torch, to pass the baton, to hand off the leadership of the NDP.”

“It makes me sad, but it makes me happy because our team is so strong right now.”

After losing his riding in Vaughan-Woodbridge, Ontario Liberal leader Steven Del Duca also resigned.

Tabuns, currently the NDP’s spokesperson on energy and climate change, is widely known for his stance on same-sex parental rights and the recognition of foreign credentials.

“Most of my focus is on the sad state of Ontario’s electricity generation and efficiency rules. Or, more accurately, lack of rules,” Tabuns’ website reads.

“We know we need to use less power and that buildings are responsible for much of Ontario’s emissions growth. All the same, Ontario does not have strong efficiency standards or a plan to create construction jobs by retrofitting the buildings we do have.”