27 Facts About Marit Stiles

Marit Stiles was born on September 20,1969 and is a Canadian politician who has been the leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party and the leader of the Official Opposition since February 4,2023.

Marit Stiles has represented the Toronto riding of Davenport in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since June 7,2018.

Marit Stiles worked as a policy researcher before becoming research and policy director with ACTRA.

Marit Stiles served as a Toronto District School Board trustee in 2014 and was the president of the federal NDP from 2016 to 2018, before her election as a member of Provincial Parliament.

Marit Stiles was born on September 20,1969, in St John's, Newfoundland, growing up in the communities of Long Pond and Logy Bay.

The name Marit is of Norwegian origin, although Stiles does not have Norwegian ancestry, and the name was suggested by Norwegian family friends.

Marit Stiles's parents were Americans who had moved from Pennsylvania to Newfoundland in 1967 and settled on a small organic farm outside St John's, growing vegetables and raising goats, chickens, geese, rabbits and pigs.

Marit Stiles's father was an anthropology professor at Memorial University, who later became an energy conservation consultant in Canada and Africa.

Marit Stiles competed in synchronized swimming in her childhood, alongside her younger sister Enid.

Marit Stiles graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Carleton University in 1992.

Marit Stiles then worked in the office of Timmins MPP Gilles Bisson.

Marit Stiles worked for the Canadian Policy Research Networks in 1995, and as a researcher for the federal NDP's Ontario caucus from 1998 to 2004.

Marit Stiles went to work for the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists in 2005, where she was the director of research, public policy and communications.

Marit Stiles served as a trustee for the Toronto District School Board from 2014 until 2018, for ward 9.

In 2016, Marit Stiles was elected president of the federal NDP, defeating former NDP MPs Elaine Michaud and Djaouida Sellah.

Marit Stiles defeated Martins, becoming the riding's second NDP MPP.

Marit Stiles was the party's education critic from 2018 to 2022.

Marit Stiles announced that she would run for NDP leader on September 22,2022.

Marit Stiles ran on climate action by creating jobs in sustainable industries and investing in green infrastructure.

Marit Stiles called for "true reconciliation" by protecting indigenous rights and addressing issues such as clean drinking water, treatment in the justice system and shelter.

Marit Stiles has criticized what she perceives as the Conservatives' efforts to increase privatization of government services, and committed to improving public education, healthcare, and social security.

The NDP announced on December 5,2022, that Marit Stiles was the only candidate in the leadership election, and hence leader-designate.

Marit Stiles was scheduled to be acclaimed as leader on March 4,2023, but the party's provincial council voted to move the date up to February 4.

Marit Stiles was formally confirmed on February 4,2023, taking office as leader of the NDP and becoming the leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario.

Marit Stiles had originally defended Jama, and had met privately with Jama beforehand, asking her to remove her statement and apologize.

Marit Stiles led the party into the snap 2025 Ontario general election, winning 27 seats and forming the Official Opposition for the third consecutive time, a first in party history.

Marit Stiles has a younger sister named Enid who is a veterinarian near Montreal.