Natalie Johnson, a familiar face covering Toronto City Hall for CTV News, has announced her candidacy for Toronto city council in the Beaches-East York ward. The 39-year-old married mother of three boys made the announcement on Monday, stepping away from her journalism career after nearly two decades.
A Reporter's Transition to Politics
Johnson has covered municipal politics since 2010, giving her a deep understanding of the issues facing Torontonians. In her statement, she said, 'As a journalist, I have spoken to thousands of Torontonians about the issues that define their daily lives, illustrating the practical impacts of the policies that have shaped this city.' She added, 'But not only have I been covering it – I’ve been living it in Beaches-East York.'
Johnson and her family have resided in Ward 19 for a decade, where she has been an active community advocate and volunteer. She serves on the boards of local non-profits Community Centre 55 and the Beaches Sandbox, organizations that provide support services and accessible programming to residents.
Community Engagement and Priorities
Johnson describes herself as 'a dedicated hockey mom to three boys who understands the challenges of raising a young family in the city.' She emphasized her connection to the community, saying, 'Whether it be on the picnic bench at the playground or the sidelines of the soccer field, I hear from families every day about the issues they want local leaders to tackle. I understand what animates our community, and I believe the residents of Beaches-East York deserve a strong voice at City Hall.'
Her platform focuses on practical improvements: 'I want to get Beaches-East York moving again, and do everything possible to get parents home to their kids faster at the end of the day. Families need to have access to reliable transit and safe parks; small businesses need to feel supported; and taxpayers want services that deliver value.'
Listening Skills from Journalism
Johnson believes her reporting background equips her to be an effective representative. 'As a reporter, I am hard-wired to listen. And I’m eager to do that in the months ahead, so that Beaches-East York can be the best it can be,' she said.
Her former employer, CTV, released a statement confirming that upon learning of her potential candidacy, they immediately ceased using her in any on-air or editorial capacity. The statement thanked Johnson for her 19 years of journalistic contributions.
Background and Career
Johnson began her journalism career in 2007 as a reporter at CTV News Ottawa. She later moved to the CTV News Parliamentary Bureau, working as a field producer for CTV National News and producing the network's flagship political program, CTV's Question Period. She holds a bachelor of journalism from Carleton University and is bilingual in English and French.
Incumbent councillor Brad Bradford, who has represented the ward since 2018, has already declared his intention to run for mayor. Other registered candidates in the riding include James Dann, Tycen Legg, and Adam Smith.
