February 7, 2025
Brampton is one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse cities, a thriving hub of innovation, business, and culture. Yet, Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie doesn’t seem to think it’s worth her time. In a recently surfaced audio clip, Crombie is caught saying, “I don’t go to anything in Brampton. It’s not my city. I don’t care.” This wasn’t a slip of the tongue. This wasn’t taken out of context. This was a deliberate and dismissive remark from someone who aspires to lead the entire province.
Patrick Brown, Brampton’s Mayor, immediately called her out, demanding an apology, stating, “For the Ontario Liberal leader to say she doesn’t care about Brampton is outrageous and wrong. For someone seeking the highest office in Ontario, it’s appalling.” And rightly so. Brampton residents deserve respect, not an arrogant dismissal from a politician who should be seeking to represent all Ontarians.
Crombie’s disdain for Brampton is not new. She has consistently opposed key investments and policies that would benefit our city. When Mayor Brown pushed for more funding for Peel Regional Police to keep Brampton’s streets safe, Crombie opposed it. When Brown fought to keep schools open during COVID-19, understanding the toll that closures were taking on children, Crombie pushed for more restrictions. When Brampton sought to honor the late Hazel McCallion by naming the LRT after her, Crombie stood in the way.
Her contempt extends beyond policy disagreements. Crombie’s attitude suggests a deeper disregard for Brampton and its people. A leader may have different priorities, but outright stating that she doesn’t care about Brampton reveals an elitist and exclusionary mindset. This isn’t just poor judgment—it’s an outright insult to the hardworking residents who contribute daily to Ontario’s prosperity.
Brampton is not just a city; it is a powerhouse of economic growth, cultural diversity, and civic engagement. Its residents—whether long-time citizens or new immigrants—deserve better than a leader who openly admits to ignoring their existence. How can Brampton voters take her seriously? How can anyone in this city support a leader who openly admits she has no interest in our community? Ontario’s next premier should be someone who sees Brampton as a vital part of the province, not a place to be dismissed.
The Ontario Liberal Party should reconsider whether someone who writes off an entire city is fit to lead. Bonnie Crombie needs to apologize. More importantly, she needs to explain why anyone in Brampton should trust her leadership when she has made it clear she doesn’t care about us.