Naqvi takes another step toward running for Ontario Liberal leader
Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi has taken another step towards running for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
Naqvi has stepped down as Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, while he considers the opportunity.
“As Yasir explores the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party, he has stepped down from the role as Parliamentary Secretary,” a spokesperson for Naqvi said Tuesday.
In a tweet, Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair thanked Naqvi for his work in the role.
Naqvi is currently travelling the province seeking feedback as he “seriously explores the possibility” of running, according to the spokesperson.
Naqvi will remain as the MP for Ottawa Centre.
The move would be a return to provincial politics for Naqvi. Before entering federal politics, he served as an Ontario cabinet minister.
He represented the riding of Ottawa Centre from 2007 to 2018, before losing to NDP MPP Joel Harden in the 2018 provincial election. He served as attorney general, government house leader, minister of community safety and correctional services and minister of labour when the Liberal Party formed government.
Naqvi says he is waiting for the party to finalize the process and rules for the leadership race before making a final decision on whether or not to enter.
The Ontario Liberals are looking for a new leader to replace Steven Del Duca, who resigned after the party finished third in the 2022 provincial election.
Ottawa South MPP John Fraser is serving as interim leader until the party elects a new leader.
In addition to Naqvi, MP Nate Erskine-Smith and Ontario Liberal MPP Ted Hsu have expressed interest in running.
The Liberals will implement a new system for selecting their leader. At the party’s annual general meeting earlier this month, members voted overwhelmingly for a one-member-one-vote system.
A voting date for the leadership race has not been set.
With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.