Liberals to hold leadership convention in Toronto

The Ontario Liberal party will pick its new leader in Toronto.

The leadership convention set for the weekend of Jan. 25 will take place take place at the former site of Maple Leaf Gardens, now home to Ryerson University’s Mattamy Athletic Centre and a Loblaw grocery store.

With his minority government facing a flurry of scandals, McGuinty stepped down on Oct. 15.

No candidates have officially declared their intention to seek the party leadership. Finance Minister Dwight Duncan and Energy Minister Chris Bentley — touted as possible contenders shortly after McGuinty announced his decision to leave — have both said they won’t run.

Possible contenders among sitting Liberal MPPs include Kathleen Wynne, Charles Sousa, Glen Murray, Eric Hoskins and Brad Duguid.

Former Liberal cabinet minister Sandra Pupatello hinted last week that she will also run.

Candidate must file their forms by Nov. 23. Delegates who wish to attend must also be party members by that date.  Delegates will be selected on the weekend of Jan. 12. 

Candidates must submit signatures from 250 party members, pay a $50,000 entry fee and comply with a $500,000 spending limit.