Kristyn Wong-Tam to leave city council, run as NDP candidate in upcoming June election

Toronto city councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam will not be seeking re-election for city council in October after announcing she will run as an Ontario NDP candidate in the upcoming June election.

In a statement posted to her website Friday morning, Wong-Tam said she decided to throw her hat in the ring for MPP for Toronto Centre "after a great deal of consideration and conversations with my family and close friends."

Wong-Tam has been city councillor for the area for almost 12 years.

"My love for Toronto Centre and our neighbourhoods runs deep. It is my home," Wong-Tam said.

Wong-Tam will look to replace current NDP MPP for Toronto Centre, Suze Morrison, who also announced earlier this week that she will not seek re-election.

"The amazing Ward 13 team will continue to work at full speed to support residents as well as the interim Councillor and ensure a smooth transition after the next municipal election," Wong-Tam said.

"To the mayor, members of city council and the Toronto Public Service, working alongside you has been a life-transforming experience and even more so during a global health pandemic."

'Champion for Toronto'

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says she's overjoyed Wong-Tam is joining the NDP team. She said Wong-Tam has a passion for human rights and advancing equity, for promoting entrepreneurship and supporting the arts.

"Above all, Kristyn is a champion for Toronto and the people who live here," Horwarth said in a news release.

"She believes deeply in the promise this great city and the province holds. As a city councillor, they are on the front lines — seeing every day how people are impacted by chronic underinvestment."

Horwath said Wong-Tam has a drive to make homes more affordable for middle class and working families, and is a committed advocate for fixing health care and home care, and helping seniors age in their own homes.