Coun. Chad Collins running for federal Liberals in Hamilton East—Stoney Creek
Coun. Chad Collins is the federal Liberals' candidate in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.
The longtime Ward 5 councillor won the candidature by acclamation Thursday.
Collins, who was first elected to council in 1995, hopes to replace outgoing Liberal MP Bob Bratina in the riding.
I'm excited about the prospect of going to Parliament and representing Hamilton East-Stoney Creek," he said Friday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to ask Gov. Gen. Mary Simon on Sunday to dissolve Parliament in order to call an election this fall.
Collins, 50, said he's been asked to run for provincial and federal politics before but it wasn't a good fit with two young children, but they are older now, which would make stays in Ottawa easier.
So I have the full support of my wife and kids."
His opponents in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek are New Democrat Nick Milanovic and Conservative Ned Kuruc.
In May, Bratina, who served as mayor before jumping into federal politics, announced he wouldn't seek reelection because of his party's decision to fund Hamilton's $3.4-billion LRT project.
Collins similarly has been a steady opponent of the McMaster-to-Eastgate Square light-rail line in favour of bus rapid transit and says he won't change his mind despite the Liberals' position.
For me, it's always about representing my constituents," he said.
Collins said he respects the fact" that the Liberals have committed $1.7 billion to the project (the provincial share is $1.7 billion) but it's up to council to decide how LRT unfolds.
If someone's expecting some sort of robot in Ottawa, they haven't come to the right person in that regard."
Collins said he'll carry his passion" for the housing, transit and infrastructure files to Parliament should be elected.
If an election is called, Collins said he'll take an unpaid leave of absence, still handling constituency matters but not attending council meetings. Should he win, council can opt to appoint a Ward 5 replacement or hold a byelection.
The next municipal election is October 2022.
Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com