Queen's Park Briefing is rolling out the rankings from its annual insider survey.

Next up: the opposition critics who excel at making noise and having impact. Here’s a look at who came out on top for their ability to hold the Ford government accountable, and which MPPs are considered rising stars in the legislature.

The results are still rolling in. We continue our countdown of Queen’s Park Briefing’s annual survey, tracking the insiders and decision-makers shaping Ontario politics.

Top 3 most influential opposition critics

Respondents were asked to rank their top choices for the government’s most influential and effective critics. 

Headlining this category is the interim leader of the Ontario Liberal Party John Fraser. Earlier this year the 66-year-old Ottawa South MPP was picked to temporarily lead that caucus for the third time since he assumed office in 2013.

Trusted by his colleagues to steer the party through turbulent transitions, Fraser has repeatedly stepped into the interim leadership role, first after former premier Kathleen Wynne’s 2018 defeat, and later following the exits of both Steven Del Duca and Bonnie Crombie.

This latest stint at the helm of the party has involved overseeing a dramatic nomination race, with unsuccessful contestant Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith contesting the results.

Fraser always maintained the race was fair, and he was recently vindicated when a three-member arbitration panel ruled there were no irregularities.

Fraser is best known for his healthcare advocacy, having introduced or sponsored several Private Member’s bills on passenger safety, organ donations, labor protections and concussion legislation.

Coming in second is Mike Schreiner who has long been a fixture of Ontario politics, leading the provincial Greens for well over a decade and holding down his stronghold of Guelph. Known for pushing the government on climate action and local food security, Schreiner’s recent legislative push includes addressing municipal sprawl through a proposed Foodbelt Protection Plan, demanding government accountability on EV infrastructure, and leading the charge to guarantee gig workers minimum wage for all hours worked.

Rounding out the list is John Vanthof, the Ontario NDP’s steady hand for rural and northern issues.

The veteran MPP for Timiskaming—Cochrane spent decades operating a family dairy farm before entering provincial politics, giving him deep credibility as the Official Opposition's critic for Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Now also serving as the Opposition House Leader, Vanthof continues to be an effective, highly visible champion for his region. He recently passed a hard-fought motion for Ontario to declare Highways 11 and 17 as roads of national significance in hopes of securing more investments to improve safety and reliability.

Top 3 rising stars on the government backbench

Respondents were asked to rank which Progressive Conservative government MPPs outside cabinet they believe are emerging political talents to watch in the Ontario legislature.

Topping this year’s list is once more Perth–Wellington MPP Matt Rae, who has been building a profile inside government as one of caucus’ most disciplined and trusted younger voices.

First elected in 2022, Rae has increasingly been viewed as a dependable operator within Premier Doug Ford’s government, someone capable of navigating both caucus politics and the policy-heavy demands of government.

Rae currently serves as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and has played an increasingly visible role in defending government spending decisions and broader fiscal priorities.

At Queen’s Park, Rae is described as measured, highly prepared and politically disciplined. Several respondents pointed to his communications skills and comfort in legislative debate.

He recently participated in the hearing of the government’s Bill 9, one of the most significant pieces of legislation passed this year, responsible for giving municipalities the tools to get rid of a councillor who engages in misconduct.

He opposed firmly to constant requests from the opposition to have an independent judge making the final decision of expelling someone from the position. At the time, he said it was surprising that the opposition was willing to give judges the power to declare the seat of an elected official vacant.

Before entering provincial politics, Rae worked in government relations and public affairs and served as a senior staffer to former federal cabinet minister Gerry Ritz’s, experience that many insiders believe has helped accelerate his political development.

Landing in second place is Hamilton Mountain MPP Monica Ciriello, one of the newer faces in the Progressive Conservative caucus whose political ascent has been watched closely.

Ciriello, who defeated longtime NDP incumbent Monique Taylor in one of the more exciting races of the 2025 election, quickly gained attention as a caucus member capable of helping the government broaden its appeal in urban and traditionally opposition-held regions.

Since arriving at Queen’s Park, she has developed a reputation among insiders for being energetic, approachable and highly engaged with constituency concerns.

Though not yet among the caucus’ most publicly prominent members, respondents frequently described Ciriello as someone who is politically savvy and viewed positively by her colleagues.

Her business background and experience in community advocacy are also seen as strengths, particularly at a time when the Ford government continues trying to position itself as pragmatic and grounded in kitchen-table concerns.

Several respondents suggested her trajectory could mirror that of other newer government members who spent their early years building credibility inside caucus before moving into larger legislative or parliamentary assistant roles.

Her placement near the top of this year’s ranking is a sign that many insiders believe she is already on that path.

Rounding out the top three is Eglinton–Lawrence MPP Michelle Cooper, another first-term government member who has quickly established herself as someone to watch.

Representing a key Toronto riding, Cooper’s political profile has grown in part because of the symbolic importance of the seat. The government has been making an effort to deepen its support in the city.

At Queen’s Park, insiders frequently describe Cooper as articulate, politically sharp and effective at balancing local advocacy for her constituents with caucus discipline.

Her legal background and professional experience are also assets that could position her well for more policy-oriented responsibilities over time. Though still early in her legislative career, respondents frequently characterized Cooper as polished and ambitious, someone seen as capable of taking on larger responsibilities as opportunities emerge.

Top 3 rising stars on the opposition benches

Respondents were asked which up-and-coming opposition MPPs have demonstrated the greatest talent, drive, and leadership potential in the Ontario Legislature.

Coming in first is Rob Cerjanec. Since flipping the long-held swing riding of Ajax for the Liberals, Rob Cerjanec has quickly established himself as a heavyweight on the opposition benches.

He recently tossed his hat into the ring for the party’s leadership race.

Drawing on his previous experience as chief of staff to Toronto’s former Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão, Cerjanec has taken on significant responsibilities early in his mandate, serving as Second Vice-Chair of the critical Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.In this role, he has been a prominent, meticulous interrogator of provincial fiscal policy, driving the opposition's scrutiny during high-stakes budget consultations and economic planning sessions. Insiders widely view him as a sharp, policy-focused operator.

Kitchener Centre’s Aislinn Clancy came in second for this category. Her arrival at Queen’s Park gave the Ontario Greens a crucial second voice in the legislature, and she has made every bit of that expanded platform count. A former Kitchener city councillor and social worker, Clancy has seamlessly transitioned into provincial politics, bringing a combination of deep empathy and sharp critique to the chamber. As a member of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, her work has centered heavily on Ontario's affordability, housing, and mental health crises. Insiders consistently praise Clancy for her collaborative approach, her authentic communication style, and her ability to punch far above her weight class as part of a small but highly effective Green caucus.

In the third spot we have the Liberals’ Jonathan Tsao.

Armed with a keen policy mind and a strong background in public administration, the Don Valley North MPP has rapidly emerged as one of the most effective interrogators on the opposition benches.

He balances heavy committee duties such as serving as Second Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on the Interior with high-stakes critical portfolios for Citizenship and Immigration, as well as Community and Social Services. Insiders have taken notice of his ability to skillfully dissect government files.