After a nomination contest, the local EDA has chosen award-winning investigative journalist, author and former TTC bus driver Bruce Livesey as the Green Party of Canada candidate in the federal by-election in Beaches—East York.

Livesey has served the people of Beaches—East York both through his journalism and from behind the wheel of a TTC bus. Before joining the TTC, Livesey spent more than 40 years working as an investigative reporter, television and radio producer, newspaper and magazine writer and bestselling author. His journalism has focused extensively on environmental issues, social justice and corporate corruption.

“When I worked for the TTC, I transported thousands of Beaches—East York residents to their homes, workplaces and local shops,” said Livesey. “I spoke with the people I served and saw how hard families are working to make ends meet. I am running because I care deeply about making their lives better and delivering practical solutions to the problems they face.”

Affordability for working Canadians will be at the centre of Livesey’s campaign. His priorities include securing free public transit, expanding social and cooperative housing to lower rents, helping households and businesses reduce their energy bills and supporting community-owned, nonprofit grocery stores.

“People are paying too much for housing, transportation, food and energy while wealthy corporations report record profits,” said Livesey. “The economic, environmental and political challenges facing Toronto and Canada are too serious to ignore. Governments have the power to lower everyday costs by taxing the oil and gas industry’s excess profits and investing that money in the public services people rely on. I decided to run because I want to bring my experience and knowledge to Parliament and put them to work for the people of Beaches—East York.”

Livesey will also campaign for well-paying jobs in renewable energy and Canadian manufacturing as Canada moves away from fossil fuels.

“The Liberals and Conservatives have spent years serving Big Oil and the billionaire class while working people struggle with rising costs,” said Livesey. “Greens are offering a different direction: make affordability a priority, take serious action on the climate crisis and create good jobs building the future Canada needs.”

Livesey’s reporting has appeared in major Canadian and international publications, including The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Guardian, The Walrus and the Financial Post.

He spent six years as an associate producer at CBC’s The Fifth Estate before producing investigations for The National and CBC News Sunday. He later produced investigative reports for Global Television’s 16×9 and worked on international productions with PBS, The New York Times and National Public Radio.

Livesey has received numerous awards in Canada and the United States, including a National Newspaper Award, two National Magazine Awards and a duPont Award. His bestselling book, Thieves of Bay Street, examined fraud in Canada’s financial industry and was nominated for an Arthur Ellis Award for best nonfiction crime book.

“I am both thrilled and honoured that a national journalist with Bruce Livesey’s lifetime reputation has entered politics to be the Green candidate in Beaches—East York,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. “Expect honesty, integrity and a depth of knowledge that leaves other candidates scrambling for a place to stand.”

Livesey was born in Vancouver and grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He has lived in Toronto since 1982.

The Beaches—East York by-election will take place on August 31, following the resignation of former Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith.

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