A former hospital executive in southwestern Ontario says she is considering a run for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership. Lee Fairclough, the former president of St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener, confirmed to the Toronto Star that she is weighing a potential bid in the party’s upcoming leadership race. In a post on social media, Fairclough said she has been encouraged by supporters to seek the leadership and is “seriously considering” entering the race. Fairclough criticized the Progressive Conservative government, pointing to challenges in health care access, mental health services, housing and education. “Conservatives are not getting it done for our province: people can’t get a family doctor or mental health care, students are falling behind, housing isn’t getting built and communities need support. We can do better than this and Ontario is ready for change,” the post read in part. Fairclough has not formally declared her candidacy and has not announced a campaign timeline. The Ontario Liberal Party has yet to confirm key dates for the leadership contest. The party is seeking a new leader following recent electoral losses at Queen’s Park.
