Top storylines to watch in 2023

Also: Expanding what nurses can do, Grits get early bird tickets, Bill 124 backlash, regulatory roundup

ABOVE THE FOLD

WHAT TO WATCH IN 2023 — After securing a bigger majority mandate and trotting out a bunch of bold policy proposals from carving up the Greenbelt to empowering strong mayors, 2022 was a wild year for the Ford government.

Naturally, we can’t help but wonder if that means 2023 will be relatively boring, politics- and policy-wise, because how much crazier could Ontario politics get, right?

Well, buckle up. Here’s what to expect around the Pink Palace this year:

— OPPO CAPTAINS: One of the juiciest stories will be the hunt for new Opposition party leaders. Don’t expect conventional contests.

New Democrats will officially crown MARIT STILES their new leader in March — though party sources first told us that could be moved up. For Stiles, who ran unopposed for the top provincial NDP job, this year will be about defining herself to the Ontario electorate. As Official Opposition leader, her big challenge will be to build up her profile — something a contested leadership race wo…