Liberal MP Bob Bratina will not run in next federal election, considering mayoral run

Hamilton-East Stoney Creek MP Bob Bratina says he will not run in the next federal election.

The longtime Hamilton politician says a large part of the decision is the recent announcement regarding the Hamilton LRT.

“I believe in my heart [the LRT] is not the transit solution that Hamilton needs,” said Bratina in a statement, noting the cost to taxpayers and “the manner in which this deal came to pass.”

The federal and provincial government have come to the table with $1.7 billion each to fund the LRT, which will run 14 kilometres from McMaster University to Eastgate Square.

The city has to cover operating costs.

“That LRT is not a transit solution. It doesn’t go to GO stations, it has so many problems with it,” Bratina said on Morning Live Monday morning.

“I actually think the word might be obscene — that amount of money for a transit system that doesn’t really fulfill any goals that a transit system should.”

Bratina was a councillor and Hamilton mayor before becoming an MP. When asked about what’s next for him, he said he could think about another mayoral run.

“People have talked to me about running for mayor again,” he said.

“My heart’s in it so I could think about that but that’s not top of mind right now.”