Olivia Chow announces bid to re-enter federal politics

Former New Democrat MP Olivia Chow is launching a bid to re-enter federal politics, saying she will champion a $15-a-day national childcare program if the NDP forms government in the fall.

Chow, flanked by Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair, announced that she is seeking the NDP nomination in the Toronto riding of Spadina-Fort York.

Chow represented the riding – currently called Trinity-Spadina — for nearly nine years, but resigned her seat in the House of Commons last year in order to run for mayor of Toronto. She came in third place behind John Tory and Doug Ford. At a press conference Chow said Mulcair is “ready to deliver change” to Canadians, and that she will “bring my leadership and experience” as part of that change.

“After 10 long years of Stephen Harper, his plan just isn’t working,” Chow said. Mulcair said he “couldn’t be happier” that Chow is re-entering federal politics. The NDP Leader called her a “strong, dedicated” advocate for child care who would also fight for stable funding for public transit.

Chow was a Toronto councillor prior to her first foray into federal politics. Her husband, Jack Layton, was leader of the federal NDP until his death in 2011.

In light of her bid, Chow said she would be taking a leave from her role as a distinguished professor at Ryerson University.