Former Winnipeg mayor might want to run Toronto

WINNIPEG – Former Winnipeg mayor Glen Murray might want to be mayor of Toronto.

News reports over the weekend floated Murray’s name as a possible candidate, and Shirley Muir, Murray’s Winnipeg spokeswoman, confirmed Sunday night that Murray may make a bid to replace David Miller.

Miller announced last week he wasn’t going to seek a third term as the boss of Canada’s largest city.

"Glen has been approached by many people to run for mayor of Toronto, but has not made any decision yet," Muir said.

Sunday night, Murray’s Facebook status suggested a campaign was top-of-mind.

"Thinking about the run for mayor," Murray wrote.

"My horoscope today was too funny: ‘You have set yourself an enormous challenge, but there is no need to back down from it. With grace and aplomb, you will disappoint your detractors by achieving victory.’ "

Earlier this year, in Winnipeg’s gay magazine Outwords, Murray suggested he wanted to return to Winnipeg one day to run for federal office, though he didn’t have his eye on a specific seat.

Five years ago, Murray resigned the mayor’s chair and ran for the federal Liberals in the Winnipeg riding of Charleswood.

He lost to Tory MP Steven Fletcher and moved to Toronto soon after.

Since then, Murray has chaired the National Round Table on the Environment and Economy and lectured at the University of Toronto’s Massey College.

He is currently the president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute.