Scarborough transit was on former NDP MP Olivia Chow’s mind as she launched her campaign to be Toronto’s next mayor.
At 11 a.m. on March 13, Chow stepped onto the podium at St. Simon-the-Apostle Anglican Church at 525 Bloor St. E. to address a large crowd of supporters and media.
The former city councillor pushed for better transit in Scarborough without specifying her support for the downtown relief line.
“I support faster, better services in Scarborough,” Chow said. “If you can get home faster that means more time with your kids.”
Chow joins a crowded field that includes Mayor Rob Ford, former TTC chair Karen Stintz, former Toronto budget chief David Soknacki and former Ontario PC leader John Tory in the mayoral race, set to be decided Oct. 27.
“Fundamentally, Olivia Chow’s campaign is about re-prioritizing our prioritizes,” Chow supporter Wai-Kiat Tang said. “People know what she stands for. We need progressive leadership that invests in people.”
Coun. Pam McConnell was also at the launch to support Chow’s campaign.
“She’s made her way up to Ottawa, and she’s decided to come back,” the Ward 28 councillor said. “You can’t buy that experience.
“She’s not from an elite family. She’s from a Toronto family and I think that speaks volumes towards what Torontonians can expect.”