2025-02-14: Natasha Doyle-Merrick on X

I recognize the race in Eglinton–Lawrence is a clear two-party contest between Liberals and Conservatives. To prevent a Conservative win and more years of neglect, I’m stepping aside to avoid a vote split. Please read my statement below.

#ONPoli #EgLaw #TOpoli

Natasha Doyle-Merrick

NDP Candidate for Eglinton-Lawrence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw my candidacy in this provincial election.

The Lawrence Heights Community is my home. It is a place full of talented, intelligent and ambitious people who deserve to be heard and not used in political elections every four years for votes. They deserve political leaders who care and listen to their needs in the same way they listen to other constituents in the Eglinton-Lawrence riding.

So many people in Eglinton-Lawrence are eager for change. They want a candidate to be elected that is dedicated to driving change for ALL communities. My decision to run in this election was because I wanted to amplify the voices of community members who are currently being ignored by the incumbent.

This election is crucial because the past seven years Doug Ford and the Ontario Conservatives have been absent and ineffective, showing zero interest in delivering the support ALL residents in Eglinton-Lawrence need to thrive.

I got into politics for the people, and it would be a disservice for me to keep my name on the ballot knowing that the race in Eglinton-Lawrence is pivotal. Many residents cannot afford another four years of an Ontario Conservative government. This is why I have decided it was best to no longer be in this election, as it is clear that it is a two-party contest between the Ontario Liberals and Ontario Conservatives.

To everyone who has supported my campaign - thank you and I hope you all understand this decision was not easy, but one that had to be made to ensure Eglinton-Lawrence is well-represented. This movement has never been about one person, it’s about all of us, coming together to right for a better future. Let’s keep pushing for real change.

Sincerely,

Natasha Doyle-Merrick.

  • Avid Amoeba
    9·
    8 days ago

    Wow. This is incredibly responsible. That’s a way to workaround the FPTP electoral system. Campaign and organize during the downtime. Withdraw where you have insignificant chance to win. Spend the effort to win the seats you can. Try again during the next cycle.

    My riding is also one where the NDP doesn’t cross the 10% line. Theaat time around the PC candidate won by a much smaller margin. I really liked the NDP candidate but if she withdrew, the PCs would have likely lost this riding.

  • AlolanVulpixOPMEnglish
    6·
    8 days ago

    2025-02-13: Fair Vote Canada on BlueSky (in reaction to Natasha Doyle-Merrick’s candidacy withdrawal)

    No one should feel they have to step aside to ‘help’ another candidate win.

    We need a democracy where every vote truly counts—where voters pick their representatives, not just the ‘least-bad’ option.

    Proportional representation delivers that, it’s time to get on board.

    • SeigestEnglish
      3·
      8 days ago

      I don’t get it. Why then should the NPD step aside for a Liberal party that votes against fair elections?

        • AlolanVulpixOPMEnglish
          1·
          8 days ago

          What’s the relevance of this?

          1. Referendums aren’t necessary.
          2. Seigest was wondering why a candidate, likely seeking to bring fair elections, should be side stepped for a candidate that would likely do nothing to advance fair elections.
          3. Despite the Liberal-initiated referendum, it’s generally true that Liberals aren’t in favour of proportional representation (while not being strongly against PR either).
          • Avid Amoeba
            1·
            8 days ago

            The relevance is that it contradicts the assertion that the relevant Liberal party (OLP) votes against fair elections.

            • AlolanVulpixOPMEnglish
              1·
              8 days ago

              Ok, suppose that the OLP does not vote against fair elections. In the same 2007 referendum, the OLP takes no position on the matter of electoral reform, whereas the ONDP are in favour of proportional representation. This is still consistent with the current political tenets that each party continues to espouse.

              On that alone, it should indicate that the NDP is the superior option to the OLP when it comes to fair elections. I wish Liberals were more in favour of proportional representation, but it’s not the reality.

              On the federal level, 107 Liberal MPs (68.6% of LPC MPs) voted against a Citizen’s Assembly on Electoral Reform. This is evidence of the LPC’s sentiment on fair elections, and yes, this could be extended to the provincial OLP.

              That being said, in reality, there are many more factors to consider than who is more in favour of fair elections.

              If we are considering solely on the basis of who is more likely to enact legislation for fair elections, then that would be Greens/NDP candidates. The Greens/NDP are the only parties consistently in favour of proportional representation. Therefore, Seigest’s thoughts still hold.