Mayor Gregor Robertson says he can't imagine seeking a Liberal nomination in Vancouver Quadra

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      The mayor of Vancouver says his decision to sell his house and move west has nothing to do with federal politics.

      In a scrum with reporters at the corner of Yew Street and West 4th Avenue, Gregor Robertson said he intends on remaining mayor as long as the citizens of Vancouver keep electing him to that position.

      When the Straight asked if he would categorically rule out running for Parliament in the next federal election, he replied: “I can’t imagine that happening right now. As I’ve said, I’m looking at running for a third term as mayor.”

      He also said: "We have a duly elected MP in Vancouver Quadra [Joyce Murray] who serves the city well."

      Robertson explained that he and his wife decided to downsize and move near York Avenue in the Point Grey–Cornwall corridor because all of their kids had graduated from high school.

      He revealed that their new home is a block away from where council is expected to vote on changes to cycling and pedestrian improvements, which could reduce vehicle access to Point Grey Road.

      "Just out of an abundance of caution, I felt I just will not vote on that issue, just so it doesn’t cloud the issue at all," he said.

      The Straight also asked Robertson what he would say to anyone who suspects that his move was "for the purposes of seeking a Liberal nomination for the next federal election".

      Robertson laughed and replied: "That has nothing to do with it."

      And when asked if he had any interest in federal politics, the mayor replied: “Not presently. I’m focused on being the mayor of Vancouver.”

      The next Vancouver mayoral election will be in November 2014. The next federal election is expected in 2015.

      Murray was first elected to Parliament in a by-election in 2008.

      She ran and lost against Justin Trudeau in the Liberal Party of Canada's most recent leadership race.

      Comments

      5 Comments

      Vancouver Kid

      Jul 11, 2013 at 5:00pm

      Maybe because he's going to run in Vancouver Centre?

      Thomas Folkestone

      Jul 12, 2013 at 9:11am

      Good, we need a good mayor like Gregor! Better here making a difference than lost in the backbenches of federal politricks. Looking forward to seeing what his third term brings!

      Mr. Mike

      Jul 12, 2013 at 12:19pm

      Maybe he wants to move to that neighborhood and PROVINCIAL riding because he has ideas about running in the PROVINCIAL election some day, maybe even as a Liberal (switching just like Ujjal Dosanjh or Bob Rae), with the intention of knocking off David Eby or whoever is running for the NDP there, and/or becoming premier?

      Catherine Lee

      Jul 13, 2013 at 12:36am

      I have two comments. First - it will be interesting to see, now that the Mayor is moving, if a development permit for densification goes through in that neighborhood and secondly, I think the Mayor should put his money where his mouth is and move to the DTES, even Strathcona…but Point Grey? How very elitist

      Mike

      Aug 6, 2013 at 12:40am

      Lol, Gregor is a COMMIE, not a Liberal. He probably has quite a few friends in the CCP...