The first debate in the Ontario Liberals’ leadership race began Monday night with a clear divide, between the haves and have nots. There was, however, an area in which candidates staked clear and contrary positions: does the next leader need to have a seat in the legislature? The person Liberal members select in November will be the party’s fourth leader since 2018, when the Liberals were last in government. And if we have a compelling candidate that has leadership experience, that has a seat in the legislature, it will make the difference.” Former federal cabinet minister Navdeep Bains sidestepped the question of whether the Ontario Liberal leader needs a seat at Queen’s Park, though he did note his federal government and cabinet experience.