Former Liberal Party Candidate Greg Dempsey Gives Endorsement For Upcoming Leadership Race

Former 2022 Ontario Liberal Party Peterborough–Kawartha candidate Greg Dempsey has officially endorsed Bonnie Crombie to lead the Ontario Liberals for the province.

Photo courtesy of Zachary Hatton.

Crombie vies to become the Liberal leader for the upcoming provincial election in June of 2026, challenging current Premier Doug Ford (Conservatives).

Crombie currently serves as the Mayor of Mississauga and has been an MP for Mississauga-Streetsville from 2008-11.

“We came close to winning Peterborough–Kawartha last year but just didn't have the leadership we needed,” said Dempsey. “Bonnie’s been elected as an MP, she’s led a city, she’s competent, strong, inclusive. But most importantly, she scares the heck out of Doug Ford. With Bonnie as leader, I believe that we’ll beat Dave Smith, evict Doug Ford from the Premier's office and make our province the caring place it can and should be.”

“I am so grateful to have the support of Greg Dempsey,” said Crombie. “Everywhere I go, I am seeing a spark across the Liberal Party. People are proud to be Liberal again. We are re-energized and ready to win in 2026!”

Former Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca (left) endorsed Greg Dempsey (right) during the last provincial election last year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Liberal leadership election votes are this Saturday. Citizens in the Peterborough—Kawartha riding can vote at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre (347 Burnham St.) from 2 - 7 p.m.

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Ontario Liberal Party Leader Steven Del Duca Visits Peterborough the Weekend Before the Provincial Election

Less than one week before the provincial election, Ontario Liberal Party Leader Steven Del Duca made a stop to support Peterborough-Kawartha candidate Greg Dempsey at a campaign rally in downtown Peterborough on Saturday afternoon.

While Del Duca endorsed Dempsey in his visit, both criticized Doug Ford and the Conservative government and issues they would address if elected.

The Liberal candidates were critical of Ford’s views regarding building Highway 413, privatizing healthcare and Bill 124 involving wage suppression for healthcare workers.

Del Duca says repealing Bill 124 would be his first legislative priority if elected as Premier.

The Ontario Liberal Party leader remained confident of Dempsey’s ability to become MPP despite the former’s first campaign in politics.

"This community needs a real champion, a real strong voice at Queen's Park and Greg has the determination, the experience, the talent and the drive to do what hasn't been done for the past four years which is stand up strongly for Peterborough-Kawartha,” said Del Duca.

Dempsey was born and raised in Peterborough. He says having roots in town will play a vital role in looking out for the county’s interests.

“My parents being teachers has really matter to me. I was out on the picket lines with my parents during the Mike Harris years of cuts and chaos and that really formed my politics,” said Dempsey. “The Ontario Liberal Party is the only choice that's going to invest in education, invest in healthcare and make a meaningful difference for the climate crisis and that's why I'm so proud to be running for this.”

Some Ontario Provincial Police officers were present during the Liberal campaign party.

The provincial election is on Thursday. Dempsey is challenging current MPP and Conservative candidate Dave Smith.

The following are the candidates for the Peterborough-Kawartha Riding in the provincial election:

  • MPP Dave Smith (Conservative)

  • Greg Dempsey (Liberal)

  • Jen Deck (New Democratic Party)

  • Robert Gibson (Green Party)

  • Tom Morazzo (Ontario Party)

  • Rebecca Quinnell (New Blue Party)

  • Dylan Smith (None of the Above Party)

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Liberal Candidate to Host Virtual Town Hall Providing Campaign Updates

Greg Dempsey, Peterborough-Kawartha’s Liberal candidate, is hosting a virtual town hall on Zoom this Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Dempsey won the nomination over Dane Bland on Nov. 8 last year. Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

Author and historian John Boyko is joining Dempsey for the upcoming public meeting to discuss politics, the UN and give campaign updates.

In November, Dempsey was nominated as the Peterborough-Kawartha Liberal candidate and was welcomed by the Liberal Party leader, Steven Del Duca.

“Greg is truly committed to improving life for those in Peterborough— Kawartha and brings a lifetime of experience advocating on behalf of Canadians to the table,” said Del Duca.

Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

Greg Dempsey grew up in Peterborough, graduating from Adam Scott CVI in 1999. He holds a BA and BSc from Bishop’s University, a law degree from the University of Victoria, a certificate in International Indigenous Studies from Columbia University in New York and a cum laude LLM in International Human Rights Law from Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Anyone can attend and RSVP online by clicking here.

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Ontario Liberal Candidate For Peterborough Kawartha Greg Dempsey Asked To Join Canada’s Mission To The United Nations

Greg Dempsey, the Ontario Liberal candidate for Peterborough-Kawartha has been asked to join Canada’s Mission to the United Nations for a few weeks, he announced via social media on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Dempsey holds a BA and BSc from Bishop’s University, a law degree from the University of Victoria, a cum laude LLM in International Human Rights Law from Utrecht in the Netherlands, and a certificate in International Indigenous Studies from Columbia University in New York.

Since 2008, Dempsey served in the Canadian Foreign Service, representing Canada at the UN in New York, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and in Kabul, Afghanistan.

PTBOCanada contacted Dempsey for a comment regarding this news, though because of the nature of this work he cannot comment.

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Greg Dempsey Nominated As Peterborough-Kawartha Liberal Candidate

Greg Dempsey has been nominated as their Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) candidate for the next provincial election in the Peterborough-Kawartha riding announced Saturday.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

He won the nomination over Dane Bland after the party had narrowed the selection down to two candidates.

“Greg is truly committed to improving life for those in Peterborough—Kawartha, and brings a lifetime of experience advocating on behalf of Canadians to the table," said OLP Leader, Steven Del Duca. “By electing Greg Dempsey as their MPP, families in Peterborough—Kawartha will have a strong fighter on their side.”

Greg Dempsey grew up in Peterborough, graduating from Adam Scott CVI in 1999. He holds a BA and BSc from Bishop’s University, a law degree from the University of Victoria, a certificate in International Indigenous Studies from Columbia University in New York and a cum laude LLM in International Human Rights Law from Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Dempsey has served with distinction in the Canadian Foreign Service since 2008, representing Canada at the UN in New York, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva and in Kabul, Afghanistan.

He has supported the Prime Minister's special advisor on LGBTQ2S+ issues and advised the Hon. Ralph Goodale on Canada’s response to the tragic downing of flight PS752.

“I am incredibly honoured to be the Ontario Liberal Party candidate for Peterborough—Kawartha,” said Dempsey. “From my roots in Peterborough, I’ve built a career bringing people together, and I'm committed to electing a better, more caring provincial government — one that will take decisive action on the climate crisis, support the under-resourced, partner with Indigenous peoples, and restore our relationship with healthcare and education workers. Together, I know we can."

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Trudeau Rallies With Supporters During Campaign Tour in Peterborough

The Peterborough Naval Club was covered in red as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a visit urging supporters to vote Liberal while showing support for federal candidate Maryam Monsef on Saturday.

Peterborough-Kawartha Liberal candidate Maryam Monsef being supported by Prime Minister Trudeau after both candidates made speeches before a supporting crowd. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough-Kawartha Liberal candidate Maryam Monsef being supported by Prime Minister Trudeau after both candidates made speeches before a supporting crowd. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Both Monsef and Trudeau spoke before a crowd of roughly 100 supporters during an invite-only event. They were joined by fellow Liberal candidates, Judi Forbes (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes Brock) and Alison Lester (Northumberland-Peterborough South).

Monsef introduced the Prime Minister roughly around 7:00 p.m. after a brief speech despite the event being scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

Topics such as race/gender-based violence, child care, gun control, the housing crisis, climate change and other topics were addressed in the rally.

“We asked all the women’s organizations and asked them what should we do and they all said the same thing, ‘race and gender-based violence were going to go up,’” said Monsef. “So make sure that the last door that women and children knock on is a door that is safe, that is welcoming and caring professionals will help piece back what is broken.”

In a roughly 25-minute speech, Trudeau began endorsing Monsef, praising her insight, work ethic and determination while working alongside her on the cabinet.

He stressed the hardships Canadians have gone through during the pandemic and have persevered including frontline workers. He mentions the subsidies and financial support the government gave citizens during the lockdowns.

Trudeau plans to “finish the pandemic for good” through vaccinations. He urged his supporters that if any friends or family they know are not vaccinated that there are “two doses waiting for them.”

“We now have among the highest rates of double vaccination in the world,” he said. “Close to 80 per cent of eligible Canadians have now done their part.”

The current Prime Minster criticized the Conservative party and leader Erin O’Toole for not demanding his candidates to get the shot and disclose their vaccination status. Trudeau also referenced Conservative candidate Michelle Ferreri for not being double-vaccinated despite campaigning at senior citizen homes.

Former Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair spoke before Monsef and is running for the election for Scarborough Southwest. He was elected to the same riding back in October of 2015.

He stressed the importance of gun control and outlawing any weapons that were “able to kill efficiently” citing his police experience as a reference.

Blair said O’Toole was pandering to gun lobbyists after showing inconsistency on the issue. He would respect the ban but changed his mind after pressure from the gun enthusiasts.

After Trudeau‘s speech, he had photos taken with supporters with brief conversations before exiting onto his campaign bus.

From start to finish of the event, protesters were yelling profanities and waving anti-Trudeau signs while garnering support from passing vehicles.

Polls for the election open on Monday.

Monsef is seeking a third term with Peterborough but is challenged by candidates Michelle Ferreri (Conservatives), Joy Lachica (NDP), Chanté White (Green Party), Paul Lawton (People’s Party) and Robert Bowers (Independent).

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Here's What Jeff Leal Had To Say After Being Re-Elected For 3rd Straight Term

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