Former federal Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander is entering the race for Toronto mayor, confirming plans to register at City Hall on Wednesday morning. Alexander, a 57-year-old father of three and former Ajax-Pickering MP, joins a crowded municipal contest featuring 32 candidates as of Tuesday.
Candidate Background and Campaign Priorities
Alexander spent years in public service, serving as Canada’s citizenship and immigration minister from 2013 to 2015 and as Canada’s ambassador to Afghanistan between 2003 and 2005. In a post on his website titled “Why Am I Running?”, he stated that he wants to put that experience to work for Toronto. He explained his decision to enter the contest by writing that Toronto has been standing still for three years, adding that a city with this much talent, strength, and potential should not be under-performing. His platform priorities highlight better public transit and affordable housing.
Did You Know? Before entering municipal politics, Chris Alexander served as Canada’s ambassador to Afghanistan from 2003 to 2005 and later held a seat in the federal cabinet as citizenship and immigration minister from 2013 to 2015.
Mayoral Field and Upcoming Municipal Election
The Oct. 26 municipal election features a large field of contenders vying for the city’s top job. Alexander will face current mayor Olivia Chow and Coun. Brad Bradford, who represent the top two contenders in the race. Reflecting on the campaign ahead, Alexander noted on his website that the city needs to work together to make Toronto better and get back on track through vision and teamwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chris Alexander?
Chris Alexander is a 57-year-old father of three, a former Ajax-Pickering MP, and a former federal Conservative cabinet minister who served as Canada’s citizenship and immigration minister from 2013 to 2015 and ambassador to Afghanistan from 2003 to 2005.
When is the Toronto municipal election?
The municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 26.
Who are the other main contenders in the mayoral race?
Current mayor Olivia Chow and Coun. Brad Bradford are identified as the top two contenders in the race alongside a total of 32 candidates vying for the job as of Tuesday.
What issues do you think will matter most to voters in the upcoming Toronto mayoral election?
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