A London woman is entering the race to become Ontario's next Liberal leader.
Kate Graham announced her official bid for the Ontario Liberal leadership on Saturday afternoon.
A lifetime resident of Southwestern Ontario, Graham received her PhD in Political Science from Western University which is where she currently teaches in the Political Science department in addition to teaching at Huron University College. Before teaching, Graham worked for the city of London, most recently as its director of community and economic innovation.
She has been a longtime advocate for women's representation in politics as well as a community advocate, previously serving as Chair of the Pillar Nonprofit Network Board.
“My campaign will be about inspiring people to use their voice, exercise their power, and be an active part of the discussion about what Ontario’s future should be.” said Graham. “This is a conversation that is necessary not only to rebuild our party, but to rebuild our province. I’m ready to listen, ready to learn, and ready to lead.”
https://twitter.com/KateMarieGraham/status/1170383445614387200
The world of politics is not new for Graham, who previously ran as the Liberal candidate in London North Centre in the last Ontario election, finishing third behind runner-up Susan Truppe (PC) and winner Terence Kernaghan (NDP).
Graham's bid makes her the first Liberal leadership candidate from outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
“For me, entering this race is answering an urgent call to revitalize democracy in Ontario. In the 2018 provincial election, more people didn’t vote at all than people who supported any leader or party. I believe we can move the dial on the disillusion people feel with politics - but only when we start seeing more politicians who are running for their values, instead of against one another.”
Graham will kick off her campaign with a tour across Ontario, making her first stop in Windsor on September 14.
-With files from Mark Brown
