Former Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander to run for Toronto mayor
Former Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander has officially entered the race for mayor of Toronto. He aims to address issues including the city's economy, transit, and housing infrastructure.
Why it matters
Alexander's return to politics after a decade-long hiatus marks a notable shift in the Toronto mayoral race landscape.
Chris Alexander speaks during the Conservative Party French language leadership debate, in January, 2017 in Quebec City. Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press
Chris Alexander, a former Conservative cabinet minister and ambassador who once made headlines for Ottawa’s handling of the Syrian refugee crisis, is entering the race to become Toronto’s next mayor.
Alexander officially registered his campaign at Toronto City Hall on Wednesday morning.
In a news release announcing his candidacy, Alexander said Toronto has given him everything. But he added the city has been “standing still.”
Vowing to better Toronto’s economy, transit system, housing and infrastructure, the former member of Parliament for the Toronto-area riding previously known as Ajax-Pickering said the city under his leadership would get back on track.
“A city with this much talent, strength and potential should not be underperforming, and it doesn’t have to be,” Alexander said in the news release.
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