Kingston's mayor seeking federal Conservative nomination

Kingston, Ont., Mayor Bryan Paterson has joined the race to represent Kingston and the Islands for the Conservatives in the upcoming federal election.

Paterson made the announcement during a reception Thursday hosted by a group called "We Choose Bryan," which has spent months encouraging him to run.

At times it felt more like a campaign event than a first step into federal politics, with a packed ballroom breaking out in applause at several points during the mayor's speech.

Paterson said the biggest challenges facing Kingston, from housing to the cost of living, are national problems that need national solutions, so he wants to be part of the next federal government.

He described the current Liberal government as "worn out," and said there's a deep desire for something different.

"It's almost a despair, frustration. I think people are really, really wanting that change," said Paterson, promising to "build a big blue tent" with room for everyone regardless of race, sexual orientation and more.

Paterson is in his third term as mayor of the eastern Ontario city with a population of 132,500. An economics professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, he was first elected in 2014 and said he'll continue in his role as mayor for now.

If he wins the Conservative nomination, Paterson told the crowd he'll take an unpaid leave of absence from his mayoral and teaching jobs once the federal election begins. He has already stepped back from the Ontario Big City Mayors and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario board.

Liberal seat since 1988

Leona Alleslev, a Toronto-area Conservative MP from 2015 to 2021 and deputy leader of the party under Andrew Scheer, is also vying for the Conservative nomination. Posts on social media show her knocking on doors and hosting meet-and-greet events for constituents.

Alleslev's website details her past political experience and describes her as a former military officer who is "passionate about Canada's democracy, sovereignty, security and prosperity."

Jarrod Stearns, the current chair of the Kingston Police Services Board, is also competing to be the party's candidate. His website states he believes in "smaller government" and "lowering taxes to give families and businesses more financial freedom."

It describes Stearns as a proven leader with a "passion for making Kingston a better place for future generations."

Whoever wins the candidacy will be taking on Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen, himself a former Kingston city councillor and mayor.

Gerretsen was elected in 2015, becoming the latest in a string of Liberals to hold the seat since 1988.

The NDP says it has nominated registered nurse Daria Juüdi-Hope.

The next federal election has to happen by Oct. 20, though the three major opposition parties have now pledged to bring down the minority Liberal government at the earliest opportunity.

Parliament has been prorogued, or suspended, until March 24.

Kingston and the Islands will soon revert to its 2023 borders, including parts of the City of Kingston that now belong to Lanark–Frontenac, plus Wolfe and Howe islands.