Former Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown threw his hat in the ring for Brampton’s top job at the eleventh hour on Friday afternoon.
After Doug Ford announced he was canceling the election for Peel Regional Chair, a position Brown was running for, Brown submitted his nomination for the mayoralty race in Brampton just shy of a half hour before the 2 p.m. deadline.
Brown, who has never lived in Brampton before, says he practiced law here at one point in his brief law career. Brown had also spent a lot of time publicizing his Mississauga address for weeks during his campaign for Regional Chair.
Mayor Linda Jeffrey told CTV news Brown should have run in Barrie, where he has more roots. She said, “Brampton isn’t a consolation prize. I realize that Mr. Brown wants to run somewhere. Maybe he should have run in Barrie.”
Brown’s decision has been greeted with mixed reactions from Bramptonians Some people think its ridiculous, calling out his lack of connection to the city, and seemingly desperate grasp at straws to stay in politics.
Brown has run for 5 different political offices Since February — Premier of Ontario, MPP for Barrie—Springwater, PC Party Leader, Regional Chair of Peel and now Mayor of Brampton.
It’s unheard of to keep moving to different cities desperately trying to find somewhere to run. Brampton doesn’t want you either so try somewhere else.
— Canteach 🇨🇦🏳️🌈🐱❤️ (@canteach) July 28, 2018
While he is certainly correct about this move by Ford being undemocratic, does he even have an address in Brampton? And I’m not referring to some sham address that one of his supporters is giving him, does he actually live in Brampton? My guess is no.
— Chris Forde (@Forde_Chris1) July 27, 2018
You just don’t know when to give up, do you? You’re a failed, disgraced politician who’s divided his own base. Are you aware there are other career options that are NOT subsidized by taxpayers? #opportunist @fordnation
— Scarborough Agincourt Watchman (@AgWatchman) July 28, 2018
— Give me idli (@BadaPavLyfe) July 27, 2018
Some people seem happy about Brown’s decision to throw his hat in the ring in Brampton.
You got my vote!
— Jason (@DokIndustries) July 28, 2018
So proud of @patrickbrownont He keeps giving #pcpo and team Doug Ford nightmares! They r still scared of him.
— Salman ki Bulbul (@RoomanaKhan) July 27, 2018
It's very important to advocate for communities whose needs are not heard. Addressing those needs and concerns will take an iron will and strength of character. Best wishes!
— Scott Duquette (@srduquette3) July 28, 2018
Im happy for you sir. Your a true fighting Canuck that never gives up! Just disappointed your not running for Toronto mayor. But you go win in Brampton, thats cool too.
— Zillius Zox (@haljordans2h) July 28, 2018
What do you think about Brown’s decision to run in Brampton? Let us know in the comments.
Feature Image – Facebook