Politicians react to Kathleen Wynne’s victory

Long-time MPP Kathleen Wynne was named the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party and premier-designate this weekend, vowing to work with opposition parties and represent “the whole province” at Queen’s Park.

Thousands of party supporters celebrated her victory at a leadership convention in Toronto on Saturday, while others offered congratulations to Ontario’s first female premier. Here are a few noteworthy messages passed her way.

Liberal MPP Eric Hoskins, former leadership candidate:

“She is compassionate, she is committed. She works so hard every day on behalf of the people of this province. She has got the right kind of values, they are liberal values. She has got her eye on the fiscal challenges. But at the same time, she understands that as we move forward and get stronger as a province, we are going to need to make sure that no one is left behind.”

Gerard Kennedy, former leadership candidate:

"Ms. Wynne has the best chance of being able to renew the party the way it has to be done. I am hopeful she will make the changes that will get Ontarians interested and, eventually, really enthusiastic about a new Liberal approach. She is a premier people will relate to in the sense of someone who pays very close attention to people. She respects and loves working with people, and she is going to be able to put together a different kind of agenda."

Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada:

"On behalf of our Government, I congratulate Premier-Designate Wynne on her election as Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. I look forward to working with Ms. Wynne on addressing issues that matter to Ontarians, and in particular the creation of jobs and economic growth."

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Bob Rae, interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada:

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Kathleen Wynne on her election as Premier-designate and Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. As a steadfast and tireless leader who has spent decades working in her community, Ontarians can look to Kathleen for a strong and prosperous future. This also marks a monumental day in the history of Ontario, as Canada’s most populous province will have its first woman premier."

Liberal MP Joyce Murray, federal party leadership candidate:

"I would like to congratulate Kathleen Wynne on her victory in tonight’s leadership election and in becoming Ontario’s new premier. From this historic election, Ontario will now be served by not only their first female premier but their first openly gay premier and I am very proud to see Ontario Liberals break down stereotypical barriers in Kathleen’s election tonight."

Liberal MP Justin Trudeau, federal party leadership candidate:

[ More Political Points: Who is Kathleen Wynne ]

Andrea Horwath, leader of Ontario NDP:

"Now, more than ever it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work on the challenges facing Ontario families. I urge the incoming premier to recall the Legislature without delay so that MPPs of all stripes can do the job Ontarians elected us to do."

Tim Hudak, leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party:

"Ms. Wynne inherits, and must now confront, many urgent challenges in her new role. Our province has lost precious time – more than 14 months since the last election. The Legislature was shuttered by prorogation, and government ground to a halt as successors to the outgoing premier focused exclusively on internal Liberal Party politics. The deep fiscal hole they have dug has grown deeper still, and the business of the people remains neglected."

Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario:

"As leader of the Green Party of Ontario, I look forward to working with Ms. Wynne on addressing the major challenges we face."

Sam Hammond, president of Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario:

"We hope that Premier Wynne will govern in the best interests of working people in Ontario and restore the democratic values that have shaped this province."

Gary Lipinski, president of the Metis Nations of Ontario:

"On behalf of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), I would like to congratulate Premier-elect Wynne and I look forward to continuing to work with the Ontario government on our many areas of mutual interest."

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