Jamil Jivani the first to throw his hat in the ring to replace Erin O'Toole

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

DURHAM: Despite the race to replace Durham MP Erin O'Toole having yet to be made official, one candidate has already thrown his hat into the ring.

In a recent video post on Twitter, Jamil Jivani announced his intention to run as a Conservative candidate in Durham.

"We are in a pivotal time in Canadian history, and we need leaders to step up. Canada needs Members of Parliament who can do two things. First, we need fighters: MPs who can stand up for the hard-working families of this country; I can do that. I've proven myself. I've stood up to big corporations, the mainstream media, and the woke establishment. I've taken their best shots, and I've survived to tell the story. We also need people who can lead with compassion, and I know what Canadians are going through today," Mr. Jivani said.

On his website, Mr. Jivani is listed as a "writer and broadcaster" as well as a lawyer.

"Jamil knows what Canadians are going through today. He understands the urgent need for a more affordable, stronger economy which works for Canadians of all cultural backgrounds, and that's why he was appointed the Government of Ontario's first-ever Advocate for Community Opportunities. He also understands the importance of high-quality healthcare and public services. He is currently a cancer patient, at North York General Hospital, now in remission," read a post on Mr. Jivani's website.

In late March, Mr. O'Toole announced he would be resigning his seat "at the end of the spring session."

"I will never stop serving Canada. I am a proud Conservative and had the unique privilege to lead our party amid a challenging time for our country," Mr. O'Toole stated, in a press release. "The Conservative Party is the party of Confederation, and I know it will return to [the] government, offering the hope and ideas our country so desperately needs. I will help in any way I can, but will leave public life satisfied knowing my efforts and ideas will continue to resonate in the years to come."

For more information on Mr. Jivani's campaign, go online to www.votejamil.ca.