Ontario New Democratic Party leadership election, 1982
| Date | February 5-7, 1982 |
|---|---|
| Convention |
Harbour Castle Convention Centre Toronto, Ontario |
| Resigning leader | Michael Cassidy |
| Won by | Bob Rae |
| Ballots | 1 |
| Candidates | 3 |
Ontario CCF/NDP leadership conventions
The 1982 Ontario New Democratic Party leadership election was held in Toronto, Ontario, on February 7, 1982 to elect a successor to Michael Cassidy as leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP). The convention was necessary because Cassidy resigned after the party's poor showing in the 1981 election. Bob Rae was an overwhelming favourite and this continued into the convention which Rae won on the first ballot. Rae went on to lead his party to their first election win in 1990.
In the 1981 election, the New Democrats lost 11 seats and the Progressive Conservatives under Premier Bill Davis regained majority status. Michael Cassidy resigned after only three years as leader. At the time of Cassidy's departure, Bob Rae was a federal MP from the Toronto riding of Broadview—Greenwood. The son of a diplomat and a Rhodes scholar, he was a popular member of the Federal NDP caucus. As finance critic, he had a high-profile role in Ottawa. He said the path he was on was a good one but a bigger challenge was in the Ontario provincial leadership. He said, "We have a chance to form the government here, but it won't fall into our laps. I don't underestimate the Tories, believe me; Davis is a formidable opponent. But if we win the confidence of the people, we'll win their votes." Rae's position was seen as that of a pragmatic socialist who had a chance to attract voter attention. He garnered support from 11 caucus members including former leader Donald C. MacDonald as well as many party insiders and the unions. MacDonald said of Rae's candidacy, "I have yet to meet anyone who is not an NDPer who has reacted favorably to the idea of Bob Rae as leader."
Arrayed against Rae were Richard Johnston and Jim Foulds. Johnston was viewed as a more left wing candidate. A former social worker, he had a forceful personality and a competitive nature. He said that he would focus on party reform and party growth. He cited the Manitoba New Democrats who won under Howard Pawley with just as many party members but only 1/8 the size of the population. He said, "We've got to decentralize, develop local issues, increase membership... there's a lot of work to be done." He was supported by three caucus members, Jim Renwick, Floyd Laughren and Ross McClellan.
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