By Noah Parker
January 6th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
If you had asked me back in January what was happening behind the “Big Red Curtain” of the Ontario Liberal Party, I would have described a world filled with traditions run by a hidden group of seasoned Liberals. I pictured an organization where everything worked smoothly, with experienced party members pulling levers and setting strategies. But since then, I’ve stepped through that curtain and turned my imagination into real-life experience.
My journey didn’t begin behind the curtain; it started on the outskirts of the party. I was supporting my brother during his unsuccessful nomination bid in Burlington and co-leading the campaign to a very close finish. At that time, my experiences were marked by disappointment and frustration. After losing that nomination and swallowing my pride to support the winning candidate – who then lost dramatically in February – I began to question my loyalty to this party and its loyalty to me. I felt out of place in my local provincial Liberal association despite all my contributions. This made me wonder – who really stands behind that big red curtain? Do they even want me here? Would they even care if I decided to leave?
Noah is at the center of the picture; his brother Oliver Parker is on the left. Both are attending a New Leafer event.
Fast forward to December, ten months later, and I’ve realized that there wasn’t some grand machine hidden away from view. There weren’t any shadowy figures like former politicians or lawyers pulling strings behind scenes. In reality, it was just a small group of folks much like myself – a handful of executive councillors, some staff members, along with our secret weapon: the intriguing Liberal Caucus Services Bureau.
In March, I tweeted about organizing around my vision for the OLP. Shortly after, we formed New Leaf Liberals. We’re a grassroots team made up of Ontario Liberals pushing for change. It all began with one tweet which grew into a petition and ultimately sparked our movement for renewal within the party.
The journey leading up to September’s AGM taught us lessons in grassroots organizing and storytelling power. We challenged traditional ways, which naturally upset those holding onto them tightly. I still keep screenshots of anonymous remarks shared with media about us during that period.
One quote I particularly liked:
“These guys couldn’t organize a game of monopoly.”
And another classic dismissal:
“By the end of the weekend they’ll be shown as what they are… A group of pissed off guys in a group chat.”
I can laugh at those comments now because what unfolded at the AGM wasn’t just noise; it showcased what happens when optimism meets practicality. We were among those first saying “we need change,” not looking to destroy everything but aiming for meaningful improvements instead. We showed how genuine intentions combined with hard work can surpass cynicism and outdated norms; those so-called “guys in a group chat” ended up reshaping our party positively.
I owe sincere thanks and congratulations to everyone who helped make New Leaf such an impactful force-too many names to mention here! Politics is truly about teamwork; I’ve gotten through thanks to countless friends’ support along this path. Taking on this New Leafer identity carried risks as we put ourselves out there publicly-yet I’m thankful for all who joined this journey with me-even those I’d never met before.
The shift from being seen as an “insurgent” outsider to gaining an executive council seat was significant for me too. Over one weekend, I transitioned from making noise outside to finally having input at decision-making tables.
I had no choice but to learn quickly while trying also to push things forward differently than before. Dalton Mc Guinty mentioned on a podcast earlier this year how important it is sometimes “to rock the boat.” That stuck with me-I’ve tried keeping that mindset while navigating this new role over these past few weeks spent figuring things out within existing frameworks while learning how best operate inside them too! Sure enough though-I’ve likely ruffled some feathers (more on that soon)-but I’m convinced some friction comes naturally when moving rapidly towards different goals!
In 2025 specifically focused efforts aimed at bucking trends were essential! Kicking open doors wide meant ensuring they’d stay open long enough afterward allowing others follow suit easily too! Breaking down unwritten rules asserting “this is just how we’ve always done things” became critical work ahead-we faced plenty naysayers yet challenging authority isn’t about disrespecting anyone-it’s actually demanding better results overall instead! Cultivating cultures centered around excellence & accountability must lead away from status quo ways!
<p So given these new reins handed down: What exactly do we prioritize next? To start-campaign excellence must be front-and-center!
Renewal isn’t limited solely towards high-level ideals either-it involves reassessing everyday practices getting deeply involved beyond surface level changes! Moving forward means focusing intently upon gears working deep within our organization itself-we’ll emphasize rejuvenating provincial liberal associations considered lifeblood fueling ground game operations too! My aim revolves connecting digital platforms together tidying info scattered across silos transforming into modernized integrated systems driven primarily by data insights leading sustainable fundraising initiatives/events localized effectively throughout upcoming years hereafter!
The tasks awaiting aren’t glamorous-they involve spreadsheets emailing pub nights compliance governance fundraising encompassing lots more hard work required-but success hinges solely upon accomplishing those necessary steps distinguishing winners from losers decisively going forth creating Team Toronto reversing downward trends while hopefully increasing number elected MPPs coming straight outta Big Smoke region successfully!
Of course mentioning 2025 wouldn’t feel complete without addressing impending leadership race ahead looming near future timeframe approaching swiftly fast-paced atmosphere currently enveloping us involved heavily speculation surrounding possible outcomes floating around uncharted territories altogether!
It’s certainly been quite year pondering questions weighing concerns heavily concerning clarity owed directly membership base seeking well-informed decision-making processes established clearly beforehand preparing groundwork thoroughly outlining expectations/guidelines fully knowing participating will yield optimum engagement levels across board as well-my hope remains pushing relentlessly onward definite timeline established giving clarity promptly granted regarding rules determining ultimate outcomes defined before year wraps up entirely needing urgency conveyed swiftly transitioning setting stage accordingly bringing fresh perspective revitalizing approach expected thereafter given sufficient time allotted prepare accordingly when next writ drops most likely happening sometime soon upcoming timelines if all goes right hereafter!”
Previously mentioned however being ‘new kid’ kept lingering sense apprehension anticipated friction arising since asking transparency defining timeframe pertaining Leadership Vote Committee deviated greatly tradition broader mandates previously followed commonplace amongst leadership circles often seen entrenched deeply-but finally prompting consultation meeting alongside both provincial councils general memberships brought light needed perspectives shifting minds toward positive ends easier agreed collaboratively against odds once faced initially prevailing challenges necessitated revisiting preconceived notions typically held tight-knit barriers constraining growth potential progress taking shape boldly emerging anew regularly little victories popping everywhere gradually turning skeptics believing brighter futures await possibility lies ahead genuinely rooted commitment lasting change happening right under noses slowly unfolding rapidly accelerating shifts happening now!”
As we step into new year filled aspirations hope abounds strongly surging excitement brewing wanting roll sleeves earnestly pushing along both progressive paths ours province entrusted carrying responsibilities feeling motivated lifting spirits shaping brighter horizons visible signs promising increase positivity surrounding overall outlook inspiring future foundations built today realizing efforts planted seed profound meaning continues flourish ongoing journey unfolds evermore toward full realization potential endlessly emerging deeper understanding core values guiding shared mission driving transformation occurring presently forthwith!”
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Noah is at the center of the picture; his brother Oliver Parker is on the left. Both are attending a New Leafer event.
Fast forward to December, ten months later, and I’ve realized that there wasn’t some grand machine hidden away from view. There weren’t any shadowy figures like former politicians or lawyers pulling strings behind scenes. In reality, it was just a small group of folks much like myself – a handful of executive councillors, some staff members, along with our secret weapon: the intriguing Liberal Caucus Services Bureau.
In March, I tweeted about organizing around my vision for the OLP. Shortly after, we formed New Leaf Liberals. We’re a grassroots team made up of Ontario Liberals pushing for change. It all began with one tweet which grew into a petition and ultimately sparked our movement for renewal within the party.
The journey leading up to September’s AGM taught us lessons in grassroots organizing and storytelling power. We challenged traditional ways, which naturally upset those holding onto them tightly. I still keep screenshots of anonymous remarks shared with media about us during that period.
One quote I particularly liked:
“These guys couldn’t organize a game of monopoly.”
And another classic dismissal:
“By the end of the weekend they’ll be shown as what they are… A group of pissed off guys in a group chat.”
I can laugh at those comments now because what unfolded at the AGM wasn’t just noise; it showcased what happens when optimism meets practicality. We were among those first saying “we need change,” not looking to destroy everything but aiming for meaningful improvements instead. We showed how genuine intentions combined with hard work can surpass cynicism and outdated norms; those so-called “guys in a group chat” ended up reshaping our party positively.
I owe sincere thanks and congratulations to everyone who helped make New Leaf such an impactful force-too many names to mention here! Politics is truly about teamwork; I’ve gotten through thanks to countless friends’ support along this path. Taking on this New Leafer identity carried risks as we put ourselves out there publicly-yet I’m thankful for all who joined this journey with me-even those I’d never met before.
The shift from being seen as an “insurgent” outsider to gaining an executive council seat was significant for me too. Over one weekend, I transitioned from making noise outside to finally having input at decision-making tables.
I had no choice but to learn quickly while trying also to push things forward differently than before. Dalton Mc Guinty mentioned on a podcast earlier this year how important it is sometimes “to rock the boat.” That stuck with me-I’ve tried keeping that mindset while navigating this new role over these past few weeks spent figuring things out within existing frameworks while learning how best operate inside them too! Sure enough though-I’ve likely ruffled some feathers (more on that soon)-but I’m convinced some friction comes naturally when moving rapidly towards different goals!
In 2025 specifically focused efforts aimed at bucking trends were essential! Kicking open doors wide meant ensuring they’d stay open long enough afterward allowing others follow suit easily too! Breaking down unwritten rules asserting “this is just how we’ve always done things” became critical work ahead-we faced plenty naysayers yet challenging authority isn’t about disrespecting anyone-it’s actually demanding better results overall instead! Cultivating cultures centered around excellence & accountability must lead away from status quo ways!
<p So given these new reins handed down: What exactly do we prioritize next? To start-campaign excellence must be front-and-center!
Renewal isn’t limited solely towards high-level ideals either-it involves reassessing everyday practices getting deeply involved beyond surface level changes! Moving forward means focusing intently upon gears working deep within our organization itself-we’ll emphasize rejuvenating provincial liberal associations considered lifeblood fueling ground game operations too! My aim revolves connecting digital platforms together tidying info scattered across silos transforming into modernized integrated systems driven primarily by data insights leading sustainable fundraising initiatives/events localized effectively throughout upcoming years hereafter!
The tasks awaiting aren’t glamorous-they involve spreadsheets emailing pub nights compliance governance fundraising encompassing lots more hard work required-but success hinges solely upon accomplishing those necessary steps distinguishing winners from losers decisively going forth creating Team Toronto reversing downward trends while hopefully increasing number elected MPPs coming straight outta Big Smoke region successfully!
Of course mentioning 2025 wouldn’t feel complete without addressing impending leadership race ahead looming near future timeframe approaching swiftly fast-paced atmosphere currently enveloping us involved heavily speculation surrounding possible outcomes floating around uncharted territories altogether!
It’s certainly been quite year pondering questions weighing concerns heavily concerning clarity owed directly membership base seeking well-informed decision-making processes established clearly beforehand preparing groundwork thoroughly outlining expectations/guidelines fully knowing participating will yield optimum engagement levels across board as well-my hope remains pushing relentlessly onward definite timeline established giving clarity promptly granted regarding rules determining ultimate outcomes defined before year wraps up entirely needing urgency conveyed swiftly transitioning setting stage accordingly bringing fresh perspective revitalizing approach expected thereafter given sufficient time allotted prepare accordingly when next writ drops most likely happening sometime soon upcoming timelines if all goes right hereafter!”
Previously mentioned however being ‘new kid’ kept lingering sense apprehension anticipated friction arising since asking transparency defining timeframe pertaining Leadership Vote Committee deviated greatly tradition broader mandates previously followed commonplace amongst leadership circles often seen entrenched deeply-but finally prompting consultation meeting alongside both provincial councils general memberships brought light needed perspectives shifting minds toward positive ends easier agreed collaboratively against odds once faced initially prevailing challenges necessitated revisiting preconceived notions typically held tight-knit barriers constraining growth potential progress taking shape boldly emerging anew regularly little victories popping everywhere gradually turning skeptics believing brighter futures await possibility lies ahead genuinely rooted commitment lasting change happening right under noses slowly unfolding rapidly accelerating shifts happening now!”
As we step into new year filled aspirations hope abounds strongly surging excitement brewing wanting roll sleeves earnestly pushing along both progressive paths ours province entrusted carrying responsibilities feeling motivated lifting spirits shaping brighter horizons visible signs promising increase positivity surrounding overall outlook inspiring future foundations built today realizing efforts planted seed profound meaning continues flourish ongoing journey unfolds evermore toward full realization potential endlessly emerging deeper understanding core values guiding shared mission driving transformation occurring presently forthwith!”Source link
