MPP Charles Sousa joins Ontario Liberal leadership race

After being introduced by his daughter and Scarborough-Agincourt MPP Soo Wong, Mississauga-South MPP Charles Sousa announced his intention to join the Ontario Liberal leadership race Saturday.

With supporters holding signs calling him the “jobs premier,” Sousa said he hoped to serve Ontario and bring more work to the province.

Specifically, Sousa said one of his priorities would be to bring resource and mining jobs to the province. In Northern Ontario he said he would focus on improving transportation and creating work.

“As we embark in our party’s renewal process, I hope to continue to serve Ontarians in the spirit of passion and integrity the premier has exemplified during his time in office,” Sousa said in a statement.

He added that in order to create more jobs, Ontario has to attract investment from overseas trading partners.

As far as transit is concerned, Sousa suggested he would make Metrolinx responsible for the TTC.

Sousa is now the fourth official candidate for the position, after he resigned as minister of citizenship and immigration and the minister responsible for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.

Sousa, who represents Mississauga South, was first elected in 2007 and has previously served as minister of labour.

Before jumping into politics, Sousa worked at the Royal Bank of Canada Financial Group for more than 20 years, according to his MPP website. Before that, he owned and operated a factoring company that offered financial services to small businesses.

Sousa holds a B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University as well as an Executive M.B.A. from Western University.

He and his wife Zenny have three children.

The list of candidates vying to replace Premier Dalton McGuinty is growing longer, with three former cabinet minister launching their campaigns earlier this week.

A fifth candidate is expected after Dr. Eric Hoskins, who represents the Toronto riding of St. Paul’s, resigned as minister of children and youth services — a prerequisite for making a leadership bid.

He has not officially announced his intentions but is expected to join the race sometime next week.

Other official candidates include Kathleen Wynne, Glen Murray and Sandra Pupatello.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today