Former Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders to run as a PC candidate – Toronto

Former Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders will run as a Progressive Conservative candidate in the state election.

The Ontario PC party said he will be a candidate for the Don Valley West ride.

Saunders was the Toronto police chief for five years before retiring in 2020.

“There is no one I would rather have on the ballot in Don Valley West than the brand,” PC leader Doug Ford said in a statement Tuesday.

“Mark brings an incredible amount of experience to the Toronto Police Service for almost four decades. I’m excited to have him join our team and have no doubt he’s going to be an incredible voice in Queen’s Park.

In the statement, Saunders said he and Ford “worked closely over the years” and added that he “always admired his strong leadership.”

“This is a critical time in Ontario’s history as we recover from the effects of the pandemic, and it’s clear that the Ontario PC Party has a strong plan to build a better future for our families and future generations, no matter what. whether it invests in transit., build highways, strengthen our health care system, or support workers and reduce costs for Ontarians, ”Saunders said.

“I look forward to knocking on doors and earning your support as an MPP for Don Valley West.”

Don Valley West riding has been held by former Liberal Prime Minister Kathleen Wynne since 2003. Stephanie Bowman is the Liberal candidate for the ride in the upcoming June 2 election.