Former Liberal MP Han Dong running for Scarborough North council

Han Dong, a former federal Liberal MP, announced Thursday, June 18, that he will run for Toronto city council this fall in Scarborough North.

Dong said on social media that he has registered his candidacy in the ward, where incumbent councillor Jamaal Myers is also seeking re-election. "As a former MPP and MP, I know what it takes to get things done. I look forward to lots of interesting conversations at door steps. Exciting stuff!" Dong posted.

In a statement, Dong expanded his platform: "If elected, I will lean on my decades of political experience to leverage more resources from provincial and federal governments for Toronto and attract more investment to create more jobs in Scarborough North."

He criticized the city's current direction, saying "Toronto has been saddled with high living costs, inefficient administration, congestion, and a lack of long-term vision to stay competitive in the face of uncertainties arising in recent years." He pledged to make city hall more "fiscally prudent."

Dong resigned from the Liberal caucus in 2023 following media reports claiming he had lobbied for the continued imprisonment of two Canadians detained in China. He was eventually cleared of the allegations and settled a defamation lawsuit against Global News.