TORONTO

Olivia Chow: 'I am seriously considering running for mayor'

CTV Toronto Published Thursday, January 16, 2014 12:27PM EST Last Updated Thursday, January 16, 2014 2:09PM EST

Olivia Chow speaks about possible mayoral run

Toronto NDP MPs Olivia Chow, Andrew Cash (far left) and others urge the federal government to pitch in for the clean-up of the recent ice storm in Toronto, at a news conference on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Jan. 16, 2014. (Fred Chartrand / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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NDP MP Olivia Chow has once again signalled her interest in becoming mayor of Toronto, but she's not ready to make it official yet.

Chow was in Toronto Thursday, where she joined other NDP MPs to call on the federal and provincial governments to offer the city some storm recovery assistance.

Chow pointed to the aid offered to the city of Calgary after flooding there, suggesting that it would only be fair that Toronto get similar help to recover from summertime flooding and the recent ice storm.

But reporters were keen to get Chow on the record regarding her municipal election intentions.

When she was asked to clarify her plan, the former city councillor replied, "I love the city of Toronto. It's my home.

"I am seriously considering running for mayor. I have not made a decision, and once I've made that decision I'll let you know," Chow said.

Toronto voters head to the polls in October.

Incumbent Mayor Rob Ford was first to register as a candidate. Former city councillor David Soknacki is among the more than 20 others who have also joined the race.

TTC chair Karen Stintz has declared her intention to run, though she has not registered as a candidate.

Chow is among a list of undeclared, potential contenders that also includes former provincial PC Party leader John Tory, and longtime Ford ally, councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong.