TORONTO – Former federal cabinet member Navdeep Bains has joined the race for the Ontario Liberal leadership.
Bains served as a science and industry minister in Justin Trudeau’s government before stepping away from politics in 2021.
The 48-year-old grew up in Brampton but has lived in Mississauga for many years. He was the Member of Parliament for Mississauga – Brampton South from 2004 to 2011, and later for Mississauga – Malton from 2015 to 2021.
He recently left his executive position at Rogers to pursue a bid for provincial Liberal leadership.
Bains has shared a short video on social media that features him entering a classroom, sitting down, and rolling up his sleeves, with just the phrase “Let’s Get To Work” displayed on the screen.
Elections Ontario has confirmed that he is officially in the race.
Current provincial caucus member and former hospital president Lee Fairclough is also running for the Liberal leadership, along with strategist and former political staffer Dylan Marando. Caucus member Rob Cerjanec and housing advocate Eric Lombardi are considering potential bids as well.
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith mentioned that running for leadership seems much less likely after losing a nomination race in Scarborough Southwest to Ahsanul Hafiz.
This report by The Canadian Press was first May 25, 2026.
Liam Casey, The Canadian Press
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