No matter how the election turns out, one of the biggest questions surrounding this year’s mayoral race might be why Chris Alexander decided to run in the first place – and what made him leave so suddenly shortly after.
Since he filed his nomination papers in late July, there have been plenty of theories swirling around city hall about his reasons. Why would someone who spent his career focused on national and international issues choose to dive into local transit and tax matters?
Just two weeks before he dropped out of the mayoral race, the Star caught up with him at Boxcar Social in Summerhill for an in-depth chat about his background.
During our conversation, he shared insights into his thought process during crucial moments while serving in Stephen Harper’s cabinet. He also explained why he chose to return to public life and addressed a shocking claim he made back in 2024 – alleging that a well-known Canadian journalist was involved with Russian intelligence.
Chasing New Opportunities
Alexander arrived at our meeting wearing a Royal 22e Régiment jacket and some friendship bracelets from his daughters. He came off as friendly and worldly but also seemed affected by the controversies that marked his brief political journey.
From the outset, this appeared to be one of the more misguided and doomed political attempts I’ve seen.
From the outset, this appeared to be one of the more misguided and doomed political attempts I’ve seen.
Born in Toronto, Alexander lived most of his life elsewhere. He left at 16 to study at Mc Gill University and didn’t return until age 41. In those years, he earned a master’s degree from University of Oxford in politics, philosophy, and economics while working as a diplomat in Russia and Afghanistan.
“I never really dreamt of being a diplomat,” he said “But I always knew what I wanted to do was to be involved in politics.”
As part of the Conservatives, he moved to Ajax where he won a seat as MP in 2011. His time in Parliament had its ups and downs. After just two years, he quickly rose into cabinet during Harper’s tumultuous final years as prime minister.
Now over a decade has passed since he’s held any public office. Although he started strong, Alexander served only one term before losing his seat again to a Liberal opponent he’d defeated previously four years prior. He tried running for Conservative leader after Harper stepped down but ended up placing tenth against several candidates including businessman Kevin O’Leary.
‘Ready for Chaos’
Political expert Myer Siemiatycki recalls feeling confused when Alexander entered the mayoral race. Here was someone without ties to city hall or deep connections within Toronto who had left politics after facing criticism for promoting a hotline allowing Canadians to report their neighbors for “barbaric” cultural acts.
“He declared his candidacy representing one of the most diverse immigrant populations globally with that record hanging over him,” said Siemiatycki, an emeritus professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. “People were bracing themselves for disaster.”
This disaster never occurred; instead many were surprised when Alexander presented himself “very credibly.”
Toronto’s leading candidates for mayor discuss pressing issues with The Star’s editorial board.
“Most notably, he argued for more support for newcomers. He was immigration positive,” Siemiatycki noted.
Alexander claimed that beyond this stance on immigration; there are other liberal views hidden within him too. His responses on The Star’s Vote Compass survey placed him alongside Olivia Chow politically as socially progressive yet economically left-wing. For instance , he “strongly agreed” Toronto needs more bike lanes , library funding , free programs aimed at low-income residents , and initiatives targeting climate change.
The candidates plotted on this political compass come either through journalistic analysis or survey responses provided directly by them.
Vox Pop Labs/
However , there was some inconsistency between his survey answers versus plans focused on fiscal conservatism. He suggested freezing property taxes temporarily , increasing TTC fares along with adding more enforcement officers aboard streetcars. His campaign website claimed neutrality stating “not left nor right but rather ‘for solutions’.” P >
Siemiatycki speculated whether perhaps truly Alexader sought no intent splitting votes among conservatives but rather hoped returning back into political prominence through making people remember him again.
“My projection would be that Chris Alexander was looking for a pathway back into political life,” said Siemiatycki noting both provincial & federal Conservatives require new leadership soon enough too. p >
“Perhaps thinking there are heights still yet unreached here,” indicated Siemiatiycki accordingly. p >
At press conference calling off campaign due low polling results, Aexander informed reporters regarding future plans returning private sector providing consulting services while participating company boards although hinted potential public role later on.
“I wouldn’t count out a political role in some capacity in future,”he stated indicating possibilities ahead. p >
A Checkered History h2 >
Almost four years post outbreak Syrian conflict beginning early 2015 Conservatives promised resettling ten thousand refugees however reached only ten percent target by election time eight months later, many individuals ended up privately sponsored through community networks. The UN reported over four million displaced Syrians meanwhile half residing Turkey under dire conditions. Currently approximately total refugee intakes under Harper regime tallied near twenty-three hundred people. p >
The image portraying lifeless form three-year-old Alan Kurdi washed ashore Aegean Sea back 2015 became pivotal shift Canada’s outlook concerning Syrian asylum seekers. P >AP Photo/DHA File Photo
” Honestly speaking hand heart internal advice given Harper during electoral phase should’ve committed swiftly bringing hundred thousand refugees expeditiously,” asserted Alexander expressing satisfaction government ramping efforts once Trudeau took charge. p >
< On trail campaigning Justin Trudeau pledged commitments resettling twenty-five thousand Syrian refugees whereas eventually ended term having brought sixty-thousand internationally acclaimed advocating global cooperation urging countries open borders similar Canada did." P >
As Minister Immigration, Aexander achieved extensive reforms deemed most comprehensive decades prior yet largely reversed subsequent judicial rulings followed new Liberal governance thereafter.
Under tightened restrictions proposed infamous legislation named ”Zero Tolerance Barbaric Cultural Practices Act” which gained broad bipartisan support passing House Commons amid rising tensions especially towards Muslim communities afterward viewed malicious xenophobic attempts rather than simply protective measures aimed primarily against forced child marriages prevalent occurring unfortunately nevertheless effective provisions implemented thus far concerning victims’ rights recovery processes meant goals directing appropriately addressing these issues overall according claims associated name itself being coined earlier driven direct requests emerging victimized persons asking help accessing justice systems needed address personal situations faced daily challenges they encountered regularly thereafter expressed concerns relating experiences directly resulting outcomes perceived negatively impacting lives every day subsequently across populations impacted significantly changing public opinion gradually evolving throughout periods ahead following individual stories behind each incident coming forth further highlighting necessity create spaces equitable environments accommodating all backgrounds existing societies requiring understanding compassion prioritizing human dignity above anything else where discrimination remains persistent increasingly challenging times demanding unity collaboration building bridges connecting peoples separated long ago best suited way moving forward together positively bringing visible changes demanded improvements successfully lasting peace overcoming barriers placed history preceding us today doing better helping create brighter futures possible next generations see thrive instead merely survive circumstances around them unfolding present realities defining futures awaiting arrival tomorrow onwards going forward together uniting strength driving focus progress-driven mindsets fostering healthier ecosystems ensuring growth fostered endlessly whilst achieving targets set visionaries leading pathways toward success arriving shared goals mutually beneficial societies ultimately attaining aspirations held high aspiring thrive amidst challenges arise faced daily seeking inspirations continue fighting onward striving toward greatness collectively becoming closer accomplishing dreams we envisioning being fulfilled celebrating victories contributing legacies live long remain memorable forevermore inspiring future endeavors pass down eternally kindred spirits brightened illuminating existence vibrant enduring love humanity glows brightest shining brightly lighting darkest paths traversed upon earth journey traversing lovingly paving ways expressing heartfelt gratitude towards everything witnessed along roads traveled forever imprinting memories cherished deeply revered hearts everywhere united forming bonds transcendence wisdom learned reflects indelible marks etched history telling tales shared enriching journeys woven fabrics multitudes intertwining stories weaving intricate tapestry holding significance connecting souls enlightening minds cultivating hope shaping destinies guiding footsteps toward enlightenment ushering brighter tomorrows built resilience humility acceptance unified front fight greater good ensure lasting impacts preserving values instilled encouraging embrace diversity promote inclusivity uplift marginalized stand together ultimately empowering rise anew discovering hidden potentials released unlocking true capabilities embedded deep roots waiting flourish unfurl embarking transformative quest redefine horizons reimagine limits extend beyond reach ever-increasing possibilities lie ahead opening doors exploring avenues untouched awaiting brave hearts willing take leaps faith navigate uncharted territories expand horizons dreaming bold strides embarked risking uncertainties pursuing ambitions unwavering courage uplifting spirits ignited flames zeal burning passionately forge pathways illuminated adventures await beckoning venture forth bravely face unknowns armed belief power resilience determined craft narratives written dreams realized guiding principle anchoring navigate turbulent waters steady hands steering vessels safely homeward bask solace calm seas crest waves anticipation joys awaiting just horizon envisioning unfolding opportunities lying heart grasp unlocking potential flourishing fostering growth nurturing seeds planted carefully tended blooming beauty wondrous sights ahead promise ripe harvesting rewards diligent efforts culminating triumph transcending boundaries breaking barriers forging connections beyond divides discovering unity harmony finding strength differences embraced celebrating uniqueness gifting world rich mosaic culture heritage colors blend vivid strokes painting portraits humanity alive thriving landscapes existing continuously evolve reminded listen whispers past carry lessons guide present nurture brighter futures crafted together resting upon shoulders giants carried weighed burden entrusted stewardship guardianship heirs inherit legacies nurtured purposefully ensuring echoes resonate generations breathe breathe hope inspire others blossom grow shining reflections luminescent threads stitch stronger fabric societies emerge forged empowered rise horizon illuminate path light leads way dispelling darkness casting shadows yielding illumination illuminating wakefulness refreshing clarity urging action awaken dormant passions pursue seek fulfill destinies discover realms undiscovered harness untapped potentials awaken gifts graciously bestowed allowing blossom transforming ideas concepts realities manifested breathing life vitality reaching soaring heights scaling summits unveiling wonders propel forward propelled momentum propelled drawn aspirations ignite purpose kindle desires flame flickers brightly perseveringly burning boldly pioneering breakthroughs reigniting embers dormant lifting vibrations resonating crescendos symphony harmonies ebb flow timeless rhythms infusing soul journeys intertwined echo reverberate eternally reminding interconnectedness woven destinies entwined reflecting embracing wholeness carrying torch spark igniting fires brightness radiates warmth envelops nourishing hearts souls immerse presence witness legacy unfold strengthen ties enhance bonds expanding embrace touching lives softly whisper encouragement uplift inspire celebrate acknowledging struggles endured rejoicing triumphs achieved bridging gaps unites diverging paths creates tapestry vibrant community cultivated sharing common vision centered humanity rooted compassion empathy respect dignity profound understanding shaped enriching encounters collective consciousness converging elevate share burdens lighten load amplify voices chant songs remembrance joyous notes ringing clarion calls resonating harmony encompassing spirit rise jubilation singing praises salute champions fighting tirelessly champion causes impassioned advocacy relentless pursuit equity justice fairness defending rights safeguarding freedoms daring challenge injustices confronting adversities rally vigor fortitude strengthening resolve binding pledges forge alliances bridging divisions creating solidarity weaving narratives lift celebrate cultures traditions recognizing contribution honoring sacrifices made fighting resilient overcoming obstacles fiercely protecting sovereignty integrity nourishing spirits alive spirit enkindled sparking movements catalyzing revolutions ushering winds change reformulating perspectives ideologies prevailing reshaping paradigms pave ways transform landscapes sculpt promising futures birthed inspired visions nurtured fueled boundless imagination.
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Breaking news interactive polls video voice notes Star stories you’ll want share delivered you’re already chatting Follow Star Whats App With respect towards failure expression younger Alexandar doesn’t appear fazed viewing competition exhilarating aspect briefly enjoying role outsider shaking things little bit underestimated yet authentic self remaining intact sharing laughter camaraderie amongst fellow participants fueling drive onwards navigating obstacles traversed paved newfound optimism emerging brighter sunrise dawning promising vistas burgeoning celebrations vibrant communities blossoming forging bright horizons anticipating fruitful tomorrows awaits embrace blending uniqueness harmonizing divergent voices melding amicably beneath overarching theme unity goodwill stemming deepest intentions wishing goodness prevail elevating collective consciousness allowing blossoms flourish radiantly amid adversity sow seeds kindness cultivate appreciation inherent worth embody precious values propagate echoes manifest ripple effect transforming spheres influence undoubtedly leaving mark gathered moments becoming enriched narratives told lived unfolded patterns interwoven storytelling tradition honoring remembering loved ones admired gifted shape character connected existence essence threading strands continuity reflected sustaining presence legacy illuminating room dedicated living advancing flourishing intended cultivate ongoing dialogue enrich expand consciousness refine perceptions deepen understandings foster growth nurture emerge authentically whole enliven curiosity infuse joy ignite sparks serendipity chance encounter perspective shifting glimpses wonderment engaging experiences revealing layers richness complexity reflect weave intricately formed connections enhancing depth introspection discovery find beauty simplicity intricacies marvel provide inspiration invigorate imaginations enriching dialogues inspiring creations birthed collective vision focusing energies resolutely aiming fulfillment contributing aspects broader tapestry colors vibrancy distinguish individuality evoke authentic expressions shine originality invigorate aspirations motivate pursuits harmonize intentions applaud achievements recognize milestones guiding principles remain steadfast core foundational pillars nurturing spaces uplifting messages woven gently reminding everyone belong belonging desired embraced celebrated ensuring safety security nourished love support imbuing environment fosters exploration creativity yielding magnificent blooms showcasing unique qualities individuals contribute society substantial impact shapes future underpinning mutual care embracing authenticity vulnerability confidence acknowledged valued welcomed warm-hearted gestures reciprocated echo sentiment encapsulating core ideals cornerstone humanity cherished reminders traveling journey peace gratitude dwelling lives touched reshape contours navigation overarching narrative define direction pursue based truth resonant chord struck stretching expansive landscape become participant actively engaged collective metamorphosis evolving ripples steady flowing currents progressive journeys undertaken incorporating varied perspectives aligning forces propel convergence resources strengths broaden horizons synthesize aspirations utilizing ingenuity play pivotal roles orchestrating symphony harmonious coexistence orchestrated joint ventures founded trust collaboration commitment engender sustainable practices cultivate balance equilibrium relationships serve foundation ensure longevity planetary caretaking beholding fundamental rights uphold dignities join movements affirm empowerment drive societal change perpetuate restorative justice avenues reconciliation foster healing bridges spanning divides lead way transformation unified strive higher ideals guide paths resolution breakthrough empowers collectively realize intrinsic value contributions grounding awareness interconnectedness enlightens cultivates respect allegiance dedication nurturing communal relationships honoring respectful engagements evident throughout passages exhibited testament aligned ethos fundamental threads binding diverse elements woven richly producing masterpiece wherein histories unfold chronicle civilizations advancing deeper purposes emerges sophisticated interplay complexities rendered beautifully portrayed canvases illustrate myriad facets containing multitude interpretations reflecting plethora dialogues manifest continuous evolution resolving addressing pressing contemporary dilemmas galvanizing partnerships ignite actions generate meaningful shifts invite participation raise consciousness incite transformative momentum lead journey toward prosperity blossoming inviting rejuvenation glimpse brilliance awaiting embraces unfold enrich chapters writing history living ever-present prologue penned script designed encompass nuances touch cords stretch realms encompass infinity inviting resonance harmonic frequencies vibrating echoes vibrancy cast radiant hues twilight dawn illuminating extraordinary luminosity colored hopes ambitions yearning aspire ascend flaring passion rekindle zeal embarking destinations pave roads converge intersections forging progress imbued aspirational fervor cultivated generatively harvesting contributions culminating festivals jubilations herald transformations solemn undertakings rally cries lit flame arise bearing witness luminous legacies reaffirm undertaking becomes story tellers chroniclers accompanying trends lay foundations enable enactments shaping landscapes envisioned tomorrow unveil fuller arcs depicting transcendence diversifying offerings manifested reflections illuminate eternal sentiments arch profound gratitude acknowledgment blessings received linger soft glow twinkling stars threading tapestries setting stages equipping frameworks engage stakeholders prospective realizing visions coalesce giving ground space collaborate encountering exchange narratives traverse boundaries seeking develop newfound synergies projects initiated span spheres engagement identities collective endeavors devised facilitate meaningful integration plurality essence resultant energetic pulsations submerge conceptualizations awaken impulses stir imaginations resonate compelling articulation spoken truths represented crystallized symbols urge navigate terrain vast universality investing aspirations painted panorama pursuit enliven collaborative spirits exalt virtues elevate transforming places attract harmony promote connection shared purpose unify efforts cultivate awareness engaging pivotal conversations unveil deeper meanings nourishing emotional connections build bridges strengthen relationships connect reinforce community thrive amidst complexity harness interdependence collaboratively persevere discover alignment accomplish refinements sustaining forward momentum allow variations enrich discourse inclusive fabric forge environment fosters continuous exploration identity celebrating uniqueness discovered depths uncover previously unimagined treasures contained await reveal unfolds lifetime companions cherished memories leaving indelible impressions embedded profoundly entire experience honor sacred teachings impart navigating times challenges creatively confront expectations chart courses unpredictably reward brilliant resolutions unforeseen pathways emerge endless iterations discoveries retained etched mind fuel thirst knowledge infinite longing embark discover encounter embrace evolution maintain course set sails voyage fulfilling unlock treasures hidden amongst folds existence live explore reside dynamics found rich variety splendidly connected vastly thriving abundant fortune
