Peter McQueen, NDG city councillor, makes jump to federal politics

A well-known Montreal city councillor is making the jump to federal politics,CBC News has learned.

Project Montral councillor PeterMcQueen is planning to run for the NDP nomination in Notre-Dame-de-GraceWestmount.

McQueen was elected first in 2009, then re-elected in 2013. He was born and raised in NDG.

"I've worked hard for NDG for the past six years, and I've been butting my head against some issues that require assistance from higher levels of government," said McQueen.

Since taking office, he's championed issues including cycling, public transit and social housing.McQueensaid the NDP's platform, which promises three billion dollars a year for transit, will help get more buses on the road.

If he's successful in his bid for the NDP nomination, he'll be running against Liberal incumbent Marc Garneau. The former astronaut has held the seat since 2008, but McQueen believes the seat is winnable.

"It was close last time, so I think anybody can win it this time," he said."Mr. Garneau has done some good work in some good fields, but I just think that the NDP platform fits better with NDG's needs right now."

The 2015 election is expected to happen sometime this fall.

The nomination period is still open; anyone interested in seeking the NDP nomination still has time to announce their intention and file their papers.