Aug 30, 2026 •
Ontario Liberal leadership hopeful Dylan Marando was meeting with locals at John’s Restaurant in Sarnia Saturday. (Tyler Kula/ The Observer) jpg, SO, apsmc
For Ontario Liberal leadership candidate Dylan Marando, it feels like ages since he and others faced off in their initial debate.
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The debate took place on Aug. 10, but “it feels like an eternity ago,” said the self-described “little engine that could” candidate who grew up in Richmond Hill and previously served as a senior advisor to former Ontario premiers Dalton Mc Guinty and Kathleen Wynne. He was also deputy director of policy for former prime minister Justin Trudeau before moving into the private sector with Siemens Healthineers.
Marando left his role there as head of strategy and government affairs Canada earlier this year to enter the leadership race. He was in Sarnia on Saturday connecting with locals and seeking support for his campaign.
His campaign team offered an interview.
If anyone wants to vote in the leadership election from Nov. 9-20, they must sign up as a party member by Sept. 7. Marando mentioned he’s attracting those votes “one coffee at a time,” or “one plate of peameal bacon at a time,” which was the case at John’s Restaurant in Sarnia on Saturday.
The debate – which Marando described as a “breakthrough moment” – has helped him gain more memberships and funding since then. This occurred just before new U. S. tariffs of 50 percent were imposed on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods starting Aug. 22.
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Marando noted that this situation changes the dynamics of the provincial Liberal leadership race, emphasizing that he’s been focusing on health care, education, and infrastructure investment throughout Ontario.
“We are in the fight of our lives… (and) I don’t think we can win the fight unless we’re fighting at full strength,” he explained, stressing that developing public services and economic resources across Ontario is essential-not just within the GTA.
“I’m going to be talking about that more and more, and I’m going to be making those points more explicitly than maybe I was a few weeks ago because of what’s happening,” he said.
The premier’s role during this tariff issue is to support the prime minister; however, Marando argued that Premier Doug Ford has made Prime Minister Mark Carney’s job harder by being outspoken about his views on U. S. President Donald Trump and running ads about tariffs that attracted criticism from the U. S., using words from former president Ronald Reagan.
No matter what happens with the leadership race; Marando stated his intention is to pursue a seat in Queen’s Park legislature.
“I’m committed to this renewal for the next 10, 20, 30 years,” he declared.
Paul Mc Donald with Sarnia-Lambton provincial Liberal riding association. (Tyler Kula/ The Observer) jpg, SO, apsmc
Paul Mc Donald from the Sarnia-Lambton provincial Liberal riding association attended meetings with Marando on Saturday and expressed his admiration for what he heard.
“Very thoughtful,” he remarked. “I was impressed today with both his candour and refreshing ideas. It’s clear he’s done his homework (and) demonstrated a really good grasp of strengthening Ontario right across the board.” This has not loaded yet but your article continues below.
Other candidates include former federal minister Navdeep Bains along with Ontario MPPs Stephanie Bowman & Lee Fairclough as well as entrepreneur Eric Lombardi.
Several candidates have already visited Sarnia-Lambton discussing local issues while addressing questions posed by residents according to Mc Donald.
“Each individual brings their own perspectives & priorities,” he mentioned.” It’s important for us all so whoever becomes leader understands our challenges & opportunities here in Sarnia-Lambton.”
He’s awaiting further details before deciding who he’ll support while remaining optimistic that change might come for Sarnia-Lambton-traditionally Tory blue since 2007-during upcoming elections.
“If we find someone locally who can help represent us within government elevating our profile-I truly believe it’s feasible winning here.” tkula
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“You have to be a statesman,” Marando said. “You have to be a leader especially in this moment. And Doug Ford has proved perennially incapable of that.” Investing in services like healthcare, education, and public infrastructure is crucial to “ensure that whatever it is that we’re fighting to protect is actually being maintained and built up and vibrant,” he noted.No matter what happens with the leadership race; Marando stated his intention is to pursue a seat in Queen’s Park legislature.
“I’m committed to this renewal for the next 10, 20, 30 years,” he declared.
Paul Mc Donald with Sarnia-Lambton provincial Liberal riding association. (Tyler Kula/ The Observer) jpg, SO, apsmc
Paul Mc Donald from the Sarnia-Lambton provincial Liberal riding association attended meetings with Marando on Saturday and expressed his admiration for what he heard.“Very thoughtful,” he remarked. “I was impressed today with both his candour and refreshing ideas. It’s clear he’s done his homework (and) demonstrated a really good grasp of strengthening Ontario right across the board.” This has not loaded yet but your article continues below.
Other candidates include former federal minister Navdeep Bains along with Ontario MPPs Stephanie Bowman & Lee Fairclough as well as entrepreneur Eric Lombardi.
Several candidates have already visited Sarnia-Lambton discussing local issues while addressing questions posed by residents according to Mc Donald.
“Each individual brings their own perspectives & priorities,” he mentioned.” It’s important for us all so whoever becomes leader understands our challenges & opportunities here in Sarnia-Lambton.”
He’s awaiting further details before deciding who he’ll support while remaining optimistic that change might come for Sarnia-Lambton-traditionally Tory blue since 2007-during upcoming elections.
“If we find someone locally who can help represent us within government elevating our profile-I truly believe it’s feasible winning here.” tkula
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