A former Conservative cabinet minister is throwing his name in the hat to be Toronto’s mayor. Chris Alexander has confirmed to CTV News that he intends to register at City Hall on Wednesday morning. In a post on his website, the 57-year-old father of three explained that he is running because “Toronto has been standing still for three years.” “A city with this much talent, strength and potential should not be under-performing. We need to work together to make Toronto better – the best it can be,” Alexander said in the post titled “Why Am I Running?” The former Ajax-Pickering MP will face current mayor Olivia Chow and Coun. Brad Bradford, the top two contenders, in the Oct. 26 municipal election. As of Tuesday, there are 32 candidates vying for the city’s top job. On his website, Alexander laid out his priorities as mayor, which includes better public transit and affordable housing. “I spent most of my career in public service – from Afghanistan to the federal cabinet table in Ottawa. Now I want to put that experience at the service of my city,” Alexander said in his post. He was Canada’s citizenship and immigration minister from 2013 to 2015. He also served as Canada’s ambassador to Afghanistan between 2003 and 2005. “At our best, we are a city of great achievements. With a bit of vision and teamwork, we can get back on that track.” With files from Siobhan Morris and Phil Tsekouras
