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We’ve come home because Canada is at a tipping point

“The good news is this country is sick and tired of that,” she said. “We are better than that and we are smarter than that and we know it.”

Originally from Northern Alberta, Ms. Freeland, 42, is a former journalist and the author of two books. She, her husband, and their three daughters recently returned to Toronto from New York City where she worked for Thomson Reuters as a director and managing editor.

“We’ve come home because Canada is at a tipping point,” said Ms. Freeland.

Born and raised in Canada, Ms. McQuaig is a long-time resident of Toronto Centre. She has written seven national best-selling books and her platform will focus on affordable housing, climate change, tuition for youth and income inequality.

Ms. McQuaig also spoke out against the Harper government, calling it “the worst government we’ve ever had in this country.”

Ms. Freeland has widely been seen as Liberal leader Justin Trudeau’s favoured Candidate for Toronto Centre, though the race was an open one. Her book, Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super-Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else, revolves around middle-class advocacy, the foundation which Mr. Trudeau’s platform will rest on for the next federal election.

No date has been set for the byelection it could come as early as October.

The Toronto Centre riding has been a Liberal stronghold since 1993 and encompasses Toronto’s most diverse communities including Rosedale, Regent Park, and the Gay Village. Whoever wins this byelection will play a huge factor in which party wins the federal election.

Ms. Freeland has also received the backing of former health minister George Smitherman, who many thought would replace Toronto Centre MP Bob Rae when he retired in June.

“This is the genuine article. She’s a woman of conviction of passion experience and values that are for our Liberals,” said Mr. Smitherman at the nomination meeting. “It’s Freeland today and for our tomorrow.”

National Post