Party History

Ontario Liberals have a long tradition of working to improve the lives of all Ontarians, from the party's pre-Confederation roots as a force for equality and democracy, to the McGuinty Liberals of today, fighting on the side of families who want the best public education for their children, publicly-funded health care when and where they need it, and opportunities that allow them to succeed.

It’s a tradition that dates back more than 135 years.

The Ontario Liberal Party has its roots in the Reform Party of William Lyon Mackenzie and Robert Baldwin, who fought for real democracy in the 1830s and 1840s against the elitist, conservative rule of the Family Compact.

The party as we know it today was founded by George Brown – owner of the Toronto Globe and a key figure in uniting Upper and Lower Canada.

In 1868, following Confederation, Edward Blake, elected from South Bruce, became the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party and in three short years defeated the Conservative government to become Ontario's first Liberal Premier. He left provincial politics in 1872, and was able to establish a Liberal dynasty that ruled Ontario until 1905.

Kingston-born Oliver Mowat, one of Ontario’s most notable premiers, followed Blake as party leader. Mowat, who continued as Premier until 1896, built a pragmatic and moderate Liberal Party. He was one of the few politicians at the time able to bring together Protestants and Catholics and those living in cities and rural communities.

In 1905, after more than 30 years of power, the Ontario Liberal Party was returned to opposition, but continued to hold the government of the day accountable on issues of social and economic importance, bringing forward many positive solutions to the problems facing Ontario’s residents.

In 1930, under the leadership of Mitchell Hepburn, a farmer from Elgin County, the Ontario Liberal Party returned to prominence. Elected Premier in 1934, Hepburn introduced strategies and programs designed to better the lives of all Ontarians under common Liberal values. He brought order to provincial finances and improved labour legislation. He is said to have regarded the compulsory pasteurization of milk as his greatest accomplishment.

Hepburn was followed briefly by two more Liberal premiers, Gordon Conant and Harry Nixon, who served until 1943.

What followed were long years in opposition until 1985 when, under the leadership of David Peterson, the party successfully brought down the Progressive Conservative government with support of the NDP in a coalition. In 1987, the charismatic and energetic Peterson led the Ontario Liberals to a majority government, winning 95 out of 130 seats.

Under Peterson’s leadership the Liberals brought forward vital reforms, including the introduction of historic pay equity provisions, pension reform and sweeping environmental legislation. Peterson ruled as Premier until September 1990. Ontario Liberals returned to power in 2003, under the leadership of Premier Dalton McGuinty.

The McGuinty-led Ontario Liberals inherited a province deep in debt, with the public education and health systems struggling from years of neglect and much of the province’s infrastructure in decay.

The McGuinty Liberals turned that around by bringing peace and stability to classrooms, shortening wait times in hospitals and making major investments to support and strengthen the economy.

On October 10 2007, Premier McGuinty and his Ontario Liberals won a consecutive majority government, the first Liberal Premier to achieve such success in 70 years.

Liberals today continue in the tradition of the early party -- fighting for Ontario families on issues to make Ontario strong - success for our students and young people, better and more accessible health care, protecting our natural environment, respect and dignity for our seniors, opportunities for new Ontarians, and strong people prospering in a strong and vibrant economy.