MPP Mitzie Hunter ‘preparing to run’ for mayor of Toronto

Hunter joins a growing list of candidates that will need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Mark McAllister speaks with her about what she hopes to bring to the table.

An Ontario Liberal MPP appears ready to join the race to replace former Toronto mayor John Tory.

Speaking at a Tuesday night event organized by Black Professional in Tech (BPTN), Mitzie Hunter apparently told the crowd she was “preparing to run” in the June byelection.

The Scarborough-Guildwood MPP reiterated her plans in an interview with CityNews 680 on Wednesday morning, adding she would be willing to give up her provincial seat to run.

“I’m preparing to run and you’re going to hear more about that soon,” Hunter said. “I would have to give up my seat, so I’m all in. I know that is something I would have to do before the nominations close at the beginning of May.”

“I love this city, this is where I grew up. And I want to see Toronto on track as a city that competes against any other city in the world.”

Speaking at Tuesday’s event, the 51-year-old said she intends to focus her campaign on improving public services, increasing safety on public transit, and making the city more affordable.

“Everything from opening public washrooms all the way to making transit safe and available,” Hunter said. “Everything from replacing aging infrastructure, to basic services like snow clearance, and clean streets that can be counted on.”

“We need improved or additional services that can make the city more affordable, vibrant, liveable, safe and attractive.”


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The MPP cited her experience as a leader and her “proven track-record” as a city builder and as CAO of Toronto Housing and head of Civic Action. Hunter was re-elected for the third time in the provincial election last year that saw Doug Ford’s Conservatives cruise to a second majority government.

“It takes leadership,” she says. “Leadership that recognized the situation we are in, and leadership that will bring everyone together. I know how important this is to people.”

Formal nominations for mayoral candidates open on April 3 and Hunter said she will make a formal announcement before then. A number of other high-profile names have confirmed their intention to run in the upcoming byelection.

Tory announced he would be stepping down from the role earlier this year after admitting to having an affair with a former member of his staff.

The mayoral byelection is set for June 26 with advanced voting scheduled to open on June 8.


With files from CityNews reporter Laura Carney

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