Bonnie Crombie’s name has been synonymous with leadership, public service, and political resilience for decades. At 65 years old in 2025, she continues to be a major force in Canadian politics, leading the Ontario Liberal Party and shaping the province’s future. With a career spanning federal, municipal, and provincial politics, Crombie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
A Life Rooted in Hard Work and Determination
Born on February 5, 1960, in Toronto, Ontario, Bonnie-Michelle Teresa Bernadette Stack Sawarna Crombie was raised by Polish immigrant parents, Veronica Sawarna and Ed Stack. After her parents separated when she was just three, she moved with her mother to live with her grandparents in Toronto’s High Park neighborhood. Her mother later remarried Michael Sawarna, who adopted Bonnie and became a significant father figure in her life. She credits him as a hardworking, honest, and decent man who played a vital role in shaping her values.
Crombie pursued higher education with the same tenacity that would later define her political career. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and international relations from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto and later completed a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Before stepping into politics, she built a successful career in the corporate world, working with McDonald’s Canada, The Walt Disney Company, and the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
Family Life and Financial Success
Bonnie Crombie married Brian Crombie in 1984, and together they had three children: Alex, Jonathan, and Natasha. Although the couple divorced in 2020, they raised their family while Bonnie pursued an impressive career in both business and politics.
Her net worth is estimated at around $5 million in 2025, reflecting her years of work in both the public and private sectors. Despite her financial success, she has consistently positioned herself as a politician who understands the struggles of everyday Canadians, advocating for policies that aim to make life more affordable.
Political Beginnings: From Federal MP to City Councillor
Crombie’s political career officially began in 2008 when she was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mississauga—Streetsville under the Liberal banner. She quickly gained recognition as a dedicated public servant, serving as co-chair of the Liberal Caucus Outreach Committee alongside Justin Trudeau. She was later appointed as the party’s critic for Crown corporations. However, in 2011, she lost her seat to Conservative candidate Brad Butt.
Not one to back down from challenges, Crombie transitioned to municipal politics, winning a seat as Mississauga City Councillor for Ward 5 in 2011. She navigated city politics effectively and soon set her sights on an even bigger role.
Becoming Mississauga’s Mayor
In 2014, Crombie made history by succeeding the legendary Hazel McCallion as the sixth mayor of Mississauga. Though it was a competitive race, McCallion’s endorsement gave Crombie a crucial boost, leading to a decisive victory.
As mayor, she focused on improving public transit, advocating for Mississauga’s independence from Peel Region, and attracting economic investments. Her leadership style was a mix of pragmatism and progressive policies, making her a popular figure in the city.
Crombie secured re-election in 2018 with a landslide 77% of the vote and won another term in 2022, further solidifying her influence in municipal politics.
A Bold Move: Leading the Ontario Liberal Party
As Ontario’s political landscape evolved, Crombie set her sights on provincial leadership. In December 2023, she was elected as the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party after winning on the third ballot. Running as a fiscally conservative “Blue Grit,” she positioned herself as a centrist capable of uniting different factions within the party.
To fully dedicate herself to the role, Crombie resigned as mayor of Mississauga in January 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her political journey.
Her leadership comes at a time when the Ontario Liberal Party is working to rebuild after suffering losses in previous provincial elections. Crombie has emphasized affordability, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure development as key priorities.
Navigating Controversies and Political Challenges
Like any seasoned politician, Crombie has faced her share of challenges. Early in her political career, she dealt with allegations related to election finance rules in her 2011 council run. However, the charges were dropped in 2013 after a formal audit was conducted.
More recently, she has been at odds with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the federal carbon tax, openly criticizing the policy. Her stance reflects a broader strategy of distinguishing herself from the federal Liberal government, particularly as public sentiment shifts on certain issues.
Despite these challenges, Crombie remains focused on her vision for Ontario’s future. She has consistently maintained that she is “socially progressive and fiscally responsible,” a balance that she believes will resonate with a broad spectrum of voters.
What’s Next for Bonnie Crombie?
Looking ahead to the 2025 Ontario provincial election, Crombie is expected to play a central role in shaping the campaign and rallying support for the Liberal Party. Her leadership style—grounded in experience, determination, and a keen understanding of policy—could be a game-changer in the province’s political landscape.
While some critics argue that her corporate background makes her too business-oriented, others see her as the kind of pragmatic leader Ontario needs. Whether she becomes Premier remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Bonnie Crombie is not done making waves in Canadian politics.
As she continues to navigate the political landscape, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders—proof that with hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service, anything is possible.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Tracy-Morgan-060724-b064520f19e94d4a8414a40ad41dabb2.jpg)
