The Globe and Mail | Former immigration minister Chris Alexander mulls Toronto mayoral bid

By Laura Stone I July 10 2026

“We need centrist leadership that brings solutions,” Mr. Alexander said in an interview on Friday.

“I would be running a non-partisan campaign with the support of people I know and already lots of people I didn’t know before, but with the door wide open to all of Toronto’s diversity, all of the people that contribute to its economic, cultural and social success.”

His potential candidacy was first reported by the Toronto Star. The election date is Oct. 26.

Mr. Alexander grew up in midtown Toronto before attending university and moving to Ajax, Ont. After the COVID-19 pandemic, his family moved to Nairobi, Kenya, for six months, and settled back in Toronto in 2022. A former diplomat, he served as ambassador to Afghanistan and lived in that country for six years before running for federal politics.

His time in federal politics was coloured by an incident during the 2015 federal campaign, when his party proposed a “barbaric cultural practices” tip line to report incidents of honour killings, forced marriages and polygamy. Mr. Alexander lost his seat to the Liberals in that election.

Mr. Alexander said while forced marriage remains a problem, the party erred in its method.

“The way we approached it in that campaign was a mistake. I’m on the public record regretting the way it was handled, and that’s in the past,” he said.

“Good politicians learn from their mistakes and move forward.”

Mr. Alexander said his career has focused on “complex problem solving,” which cities need, including on transit, economic drivers of growth, taxes and services.

He said he hasn’t heard anyone focus on the big picture for Toronto’s economy, taking into account the financial sector, mining and natural resources, and advanced manufacturing.

“We need to articulate a vision for Toronto and the GTA that helps our provincial and federal leaders with the agenda they’re pursuing,” he said. “So I think it’s about being a strong partner on economic issues to other levels of government.”

On the province’s plans to expand Toronto’s downtown waterfront Billy Bishop airport to allow for jets, Mr. Alexander said the debate has become polarized and won’t pronounce on a side either way. Recently the Ontario government passed a law that removed the City of Toronto’s decision-making powers over the airport.

“I would want to lead a discussion that forged a consensus about what role Billy Bishop airport plays in the city’s life, how it can remain a driver of the economy, while protecting the island and waterfront legacy,” he said.

“I think those two goals can be met, but only if you have a deep, meaningful debate with all of those involved.”

Asked if the Ontario government is interested in debate, Mr. Alexander said: “I think you would want an outcome that is supported by Torontonians.

“There’s plenty of room for debate.”