Bonnie Crombie recently reached a major milestone—her 65th birthday. While most people celebrate such an occasion with a grand party or a well-earned break, Crombie was deep in the trenches of Ontario politics. As leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, she has no time to slow down, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
From launching her political career at 47 to becoming a strong contender for Ontario’s next premier, Crombie has navigated a path filled with challenges, double standards, and political battles. Her rise is not just a story of resilience—it’s a testament to her relentless drive, unshakable work ethic, and deep commitment to public service.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Arena
Crombie’s leadership has often been scrutinized differently than her male counterparts, and she’s well aware of the gendered double standards. During the 2023 Ontario Liberal leadership race, fellow contender Nate Erskine-Smith suggested she might not stick around for multiple election cycles. Crombie quickly shot back, calling the comment ageist and implying that such concerns would never be raised if she were a man.
Her ability to push back against these biases reflects her broader approach to politics—she doesn’t back down from a fight. Even after securing the Ontario Liberal leadership, Crombie continues to face attacks from political opponents, particularly from the Progressive Conservatives. Their ad campaign, featuring slogans like “Bonnie, who?” and calling her “expensive,” has raised eyebrows. The vague criticism seems designed to undermine her credibility rather than debate her policies.
Another frequent target? Her personal life. Critics have pointed to her house in the Hamptons as evidence of elitism, ignoring the fact that the property was inherited from her late aunt. She has since put it up for sale, partly due to her recent divorce. Instead of allowing these personal jabs to distract her, Crombie remains focused on her political mission.
A Childhood Marked by Struggle
While Crombie’s current success may suggest a privileged background, her early life tells a different story. Born and raised in Etobicoke, she grew up in a struggling household. Her father battled alcoholism, and her parents divorced when she was just three years old—a rarity at the time.
Her mother, determined to give her daughter a better life, moved them into a rooming house run by her grandparents. Money was tight, but Crombie’s mother worked hard to provide for her. Special moments, like taking the streetcar downtown to see The Nutcracker ballet or making day trips to Wasaga Beach with her stepfather, became cherished childhood memories.
Crombie didn’t see her father for decades. Toward the end of his life, she learned he was living in a Toronto homeless shelter. When he passed away, she was named his next of kin—a moment that still brings her to tears.
These experiences shaped her into a leader who deeply understands the struggles of everyday people. As her son, Alex, puts it, “Because of those experiences, she’s truly empathetic. She truly cares about the issues that a lot of politicians just talk about.”
The “Energizer Bonnie” of Ontario Politics
Crombie has earned the nickname “Energizer Bonnie” among her campaign staff—and for good reason. Even at 65, her stamina is unmatched. Whether it’s door-knocking, fundraising, or participating in town halls, she rarely slows down.
Despite her packed schedule, she prioritizes staying active. Just after Christmas, she went rock climbing in Arizona with her partner. She even joked about challenging Premier Doug Ford to a push-up contest—though the comment may not have landed as intended, it highlighted her humor and down-to-earth personality.
Her longtime campaign strategist, D’arci McFadden, believes this is part of her appeal. “The more real politicians are, the more interesting they are,” she says. And yes—if that push-up contest ever happens, Crombie could likely win.
From Corporate Success to City Hall
Crombie’s political journey didn’t begin in her twenties or thirties like many career politicians. Instead, she built a successful career in the corporate world first. She worked at major companies like McDonald’s, Disney, and the Insurance Bureau of Canada. She even co-founded a cosmetics company with a classmate from her MBA program.
Her career took her across North America, but she eventually settled in Mississauga, where her interest in politics deepened. Ironically, it wasn’t high-profile policy debates that first sparked her political interest—it was a teenage crush.
In high school, a boy she liked asked what she was doing over the weekend. Excited, she hoped for a date. Instead, he invited her to help distribute political flyers for his uncle, a Polish-Canadian cabinet minister. That moment introduced her to the world of politics. Soon after, she became captivated by Pierre Trudeau’s vision and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
After an unsuccessful federal election bid in 2011, Crombie got a major boost from Mississauga’s legendary mayor, Hazel McCallion. McCallion urged her to enter municipal politics, and Crombie took the advice. She won a city council seat before eventually succeeding McCallion as Mississauga’s mayor.
Still Going Strong at 65—And Eyeing the Future
At 65, Crombie is wealthier than ever, with an estimated net worth of $5 million. But money isn’t what drives her—it’s the desire to make a difference.
Her son, Alex, frequently gets asked why his mother keeps going in such a demanding career. His answer is simple: “She still cares about the issues. And she really enjoys it. She really, really enjoys meeting new people.”
Crombie’s leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party has positioned her as a major challenger to Premier Doug Ford. With her business acumen, municipal leadership experience, and deep empathy for working families, she presents a compelling alternative for Ontarians looking for change.
As the next provincial election approaches, one thing is certain—Bonnie Crombie isn’t slowing down. If history is any indication, she’s just getting started.
