Ottawa Centre MP 'seriously considering' running for Ontario Liberal leadership
Yasir Naqvi is looking at a possible return to Queen's Park.
The Ottawa Centre MP tells Newstalk 580 CFRA's Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron he is considering throwing his name into the ring for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party.
"I'm seriously considering the opportunity of seeking the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party," Naqvi said Friday afternoon.
"I have not made any final decision, nor there is any official race by the party that is taking place."
Naqvi 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.
"I, along with many Ontarians and many members of the Ontario Liberal Party, are very concerned by the state of the party," Naqvi said.
"As you know, we have had two very devastating election results and there is a strong desire to have a strong, experienced leader who can help rebuild the party."
Steven Del Duca resigned as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party after the Liberals finished third in the 2022 provincial election. Ottawa South MPP John Fraser is serving as interim leader until the party elects a new leader.
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 to enter.
He says he is interested in the "well-being of Ontarians", and the party needs a leader who will present a "credible platform" to rebuild the healthcare and education systems.
"The chaos we see in the healthcare system and the education system, under the leadership of Premier (Doug Ford) – we need a strong Ontario Liberal Party who can speak to the pain that Ontarians are facing and present a credible platform so we can rebuild our healthcare and education system for every Ontarian," Naqvi said.
Naqvi has served as the Ottawa Centre MP since 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.