Toronto’s Steelworkers have thrown their support behind Olivia Chow in her bid to become the city’s next mayor.

“The city has become unaffordable with crumbling infrastructure, transit and streets. A new direction for Toronto is desperately needed. Olivia has the vision and plan to set us on a new path,” said Carolyn Egan, President of USW Local 8300 and the Steelworkers Toronto Area Council (STAC).

A former Toronto City Councillor and Member of Parliament for Trinity–Spadina, Chow is among the nearly-70 candidates who have so far declared for the city’s top job. Nominations close on May 12.

As a City Councillor, she was instrumental in creating lasting municipal programs like free dental care for children from low-income families and school breakfast and lunch programs that continue to help thousands of families in Toronto each year.

As a Member of Parliament, Chow launched a national campaign to implement universal child care in Canada and introduced legislation for a national public transit strategy.

“Throughout her career, Olivia has proven to be a friend and ally to working people. She backs her words with action. In her time in office, she’s always stood up to protect good union jobs and against public service cuts like childcare and transit,” said Myles Sullivan, United Steelworkers Union District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada).

Over the next few weeks, Steelworkers in the Greater Toronto Area will be mobilizing to get Olivia Chow elected. Activists will be knocking on doors, making phone calls, putting up signs and speaking with residents.

The STAC represents 14,000 members of the United Steelworkers Union in Toronto and York Region.