NDP names candidate in University-Rosedale

A federal election might still be months away, but Rosedale and Yorkville residents might be seeing at least one candidate in their neighbourhoods sooner than that.

Former broadcast journalist Jennifer Hollett won the nomination on Feb. 5 to become the NDP candidate in the newly formed University—Rosedale riding, which comprises roughly the northern halves of the old ridings of Toronto Centre and Trinity—Spadina.

Hollett says she’s already been canvassing and meeting with local businesses to discuss the NDP plan to “help them grow their business.”

“In University—Rosedale, our small businesses are the heart of our community,” she said. “It’s why people come into our riding, it’s what attracts people from across the city and across the country.”

Hollett is expecting to be up against Liberal MP Chrystia Freeland, who succeeded Liberal Bob Rae in Toronto Centre in a November 2013 by-election. Hollett had sought the nomination for the NDP in that byelection, but lost out to Linda McQuaig, who was runner-up to Freeland.

In her short time as the candidate, Hollett says she’s already had a positive response from the community and that people want a change in government.

“They specifically want a different prime minister,” she said. “There’s only one leader who can stand up to Stephen Harper and that’s Thomas Mulcair.”