Former Toronto police chief Mark Saunders will be running as a Progressive Conservative candidate in the provincial election.
The Ontario PC Party said he will be a candidate for the riding of Don Valley West.
Saunders was the Toronto police chief for five years before stepping down in 2020.
“There is no one I’d rather have on the ballot in Don Valley West than Mark,” PC Leader Doug Ford said in a statement Tuesday.
“Mark brings an incredible amount of experience serving with the Toronto Police Service for nearly four decades. I’m thrilled to have him join our team and have no doubt he’ll be an incredible voice at Queen’s Park.”
In the statement, Saunders said he and Ford have “worked closely over the years” and added that he has “always admired his strong leadership.”
“This is a critical time in Ontario’s history as we recover from the impacts of the pandemic, and it is clear the Ontario PC Party has a strong plan to build a better future for our families and future generations to come, whether it’s investing in transit, building highways, strengthening our health care system, or supporting workers and cutting costs for Ontarians,” Saunders said.
“I look forward to knocking on doors and earning your support as MPP for Don Valley West.”
The Don Valley West riding has been held by former Liberal premier Kathleen Wynne since 2003. Stephanie Bowman is the Liberal candidate for the riding in the upcoming election, which is scheduled for June 2.