The Conservative opposition protested against the possibility of increased support for the Catholic Separate school system while the Catholic minority agitated for the same high schools and other facilities that the public (Protestant) school system enjoyed. The Protestant Protective Association was formed by Orangemen in the 1890s to oppose the expansion of Catholic rights and attempt to exclude Catholics from public life in the province.

After Mowat's retirement as Premier and a short interegnum by Arthur S. Hardy, Ross became Premier on October 21, 1899. The Liberal government was tired, however, after almost thirty years in office and Ross could do little to revive its fortunes. In the election of 1902, the Liberal majority was cut to five seats but in a time when parties lacked the discipline over their members they would later develop, five seats was not enough for a secure government. A vote buying scandal engulfed the government and demands for prohibition split the party. Leading a stagnating and drifting government, Ross called an election for January 25, 1905 in which the Liberals lost 22 seats and the Conservatives under James P. Whitney won 69 making Whitney the new Premier. Ross remained Liberal leader until 1907 when he was appointed to the Canadian Senate in which he served until his death in 1914.

Preceded by: Arthur S. Hardy

List of Ontario premiers

Succeeded by: Sir James P. Whitney

Preceded by: Arthur S. Hardy

Ontario Liberal leaders

Succeeded by: George P. Graham