Since Dalton McGuinty announced in early October he was stepping down as Ontario Liberal Leader and Premier, six current or former cabinet ministers have jumped into the race to replace him. As a condition of running, all cabinet ministers have had to quit their portfolios until a new leader is elected in January.
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MPP Eric Hoskins formally announced his entry into the Provincial Liberal Leadership race at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto on Nov. 13, 2012. Peter Power Eric Hoskins
Before politics: A Rhodes Scholar, he worked as a doctor and founded the charity War Child Canada.
Political career: Elected MPP of Toronto riding St. Paul’s in 2009. Served as minister of immigration, then children and youth services.
Leadership pitch: The Fresh Face: Despite an impressive resume, the co-founder of War Child Canada hasn't made a huge impression since coming to Queen's Park in 2009; he's hoping that, with a relative lack of baggage and few enemies, he'll be able to work that to his advantage and emerge as a compromise choice. -
Gerard Kennedy, former Ontario education minister, announces his bid for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 at a coffee shop in London, Ont. Dave Chidley Gerard Kennedy
Before politics: Food bank director in Edmonton and Toronto.
Political career: MPP of Toronto ridings from 1996 to 2006. Education minister during Dalton McGuinty’s first term. Federal MP from 2008 to 2011.
Leadership pitch: The Outsider: After more than six years away from Queen's Park, the former education minister is wooing the Liberals' left flank by openly opposing parts of Dalton McGuinty's record, including his recent fight with teachers. -
Sandra Pupatello, former cabinet minister and MPP leaves a news conference after she announces her intention to run for the Ontario Liberal party leadership position, in Toronto on Thursday November 8, 2012. Chris Young Sandra Pupatello
Before politics: Worked for non-profits until elected to legislature. Since leaving office, she has been a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Political career: Windsor MPP from 1995 to 2011, served as minister of economic development and trade for nearly five years.
Leadership pitch: The Fighter: The only candidate from outside the Toronto area, the scrappy former economic development minister is making the case that her communication skills make her the most ready to lead her party into a likely spring election. -
Minister Charles Sousa is helps to unveil the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Athletes Villiage in Toronto, Ont. Jan. 12, 2012. Kevin Van Paassen Charles Sousa
Before politics: Worked for Royal Bank of Canada for 20 years.
Political career: Mississauga South MPP since 2007. Labour minister in 2011, then immigration minister and minister responsible for the 2015 PanAm games.
Leadership pitch: The Suburbanite: As the only declared candidate from the "905 belt," likely the most pivotal battleground in the next election, he's hoping to parlay his stint as Citizenship and Immigration Minister and his business background into support from immigrant communities - including his fellow Portuguese-Canadians. -
Harinder Takhar (left), minister of govt services for Ontario. Della Rollins Harinder Takhar
Before politics: In addition to business experience, he has served on a school board and for non-profits in the Peel Region.
Political career: Elected MPP of Mississauga riding in 2003. Mr. Takhar has served as minister of transportation, small business and government services.
Leadership pitch: The Manager: While in government, he has played an effective role behind the scenes, especially on cabinet’s management board, though he has limited public-speaking skills and is not known for charisma. He is likely to be supported by a strong network of Sikh voters. -
Kathleen Wynne, Minister Of Municipal Affairs And Housing, is scrummed outside a cabinet meeting at Queens Park on Oct. 16, 2012. Fred Lum Kathleen Wynne
Before politics: Community activist and public school trustee.
Political career: Toronto MPP for Don Valley West since 2003. Education minister for three years, followed by stints in transportation and municipal affairs portfolios.
Leadership pitch: The quasi-outsider: The veteran minister is trying to give voice to Liberals who think their party has drifted too far to the right, with too much central control - but in a less divisive way than Mr. Kennedy. -
Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray at Queen’s Park in Toronto after announcing his candidacy for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party on Sunday November 4, 2012. Aaron Vincent Elkaim OUT: Glen Murray
Note: Glen Murray has withdrawn himself from the leadership race.
Before politics: Activist, particularly on urban and health issues. Worked in academia and environmental policy after moving to Toronto in 2004.
Political career: MPP for Toronto Centre since 2010 and minister of training, colleges and universities. Mayor of Winnipeg from 1998 to 2004.
Leadership pitch: The Ideas Guy: A quintessential downtown Liberal, the erstwhile post-secondary education minister has a reputation for liking to hear himself talk; at least that means he's much less cautious in putting forward policy proposals than most of his opponents.
