NDP increase vote share in Scarborough—Guildwood after strong local campaign

Party pledges to keep fighting for better for the people of Scarborough

QUEEN’S PARK – Thadsha Navaneethan and the Ontario NDP will keep up the fight in Scarborough—Guildwood after a provincial by-election that saw voters reject Doug Ford’s friends-and-insiders agenda.

“I am so proud of Thadsha for running a strong, exciting campaign in Scarborough,” said Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP. “She organized an incredible team and inspired hundreds of organizers and volunteers to knock on doors, put up signs, make phone calls, and fight to make a difference. I know she’ll continue to be an incredible leader and organizer for her community.”

“We knocked on over 10,000 doors in just 3 weeks, and mobilized hundreds of dedicated volunteers in Scarborough,” said Navaneethan. “I thank everyone for their support, whether they volunteered, donated, made calls, or cast a ballot. I know that this exciting momentum will continue and make our community even stronger. This is only the beginning.”

Navaneethan congratulated Andrea Hazell on her by-election win and pledged to make sure Scarborough isn’t left behind.

"Today’s results don’t change my dedication for this community that I love so much,” she said. “I am going to continue to work hard to make sure that Scarborough isn’t left behind.”

Voters rejected Doug Ford’s regressive agenda and his insider politics, with the NDP vote share in Scarborough—Guildwood going up by 10 points compared to the results of the 2022 general election held just over a year ago. This riding was never a sure bet for the NDP, given that the Liberals held Scarborough—Guildwood even through two historic general election defeats, including a loss of party status in the Legislature.

Navaneethan is an organizer with deep roots in the Scarborough community. She served as vice-president of the federal NDP from 2018 to 2021, worked as a program co-ordinator for after-school programs in Scarborough, and has been a diversity trainer and leader for non-profits such as the Canadian Cancer Society. Navaneethan came to Canada with her family as a refugee from Sri Lanka at age 10.