Former Canadian Minister Chris Alexander Joins Toronto Mayoral Race

Former federal cabinet minister and Conservative MP Chris Alexander has officially entered the race to become mayor of Toronto. He registered his campaign on Wednesday ahead of the municipal election scheduled for October 26, joining a field of more than 30 candidates that includes incumbent mayor Olivia Chow and city councillor Brad Bradford.

Alexander, a Toronto native who served as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration from 2013 to 2015 and previously held diplomatic posts in Moscow and Afghanistan, said his campaign will focus on strengthening the local economy, improving public transit, expanding housing and investing in infrastructure to restore Toronto’s global competitiveness. He also referenced his experience as a United Nations adviser and his recent return to the city after living abroad.

The nomination period runs from May 1 to August 21, and Alexander’s entry is expected to intensify competition in the mayoral contest.