Chinese-Canadian Scientist Weizhen Tang Announces Third Run for Toronto Mayor

Toronto, Ontario, March 5, 2026– Steven Zhao, Canada & World Report –Chinese-Canadian scientist, financial professional and author Weizhen Tang announced that he will run in the 2026 Toronto mayoral election, marking his third bid for the city’s top office.

Tang said his campaign will focus on what he describes as “scientific auditing” of public policy, proposing new approaches to addressing Toronto’s housing shortage, social services system and municipal finances.

Tang said he has spent years observing the operation of Canada’s administrative and judicial systems and believes Toronto faces growing challenges in housing affordability, social governance and the efficient use of public resources.

“I am not running for power itself,” Tang said. “As a scientist, I believe public systems should be examined with the same rigor and accountability as scientific research.”

Housing and Homelessness Policy Ideas

Addressing Toronto’s ongoing housing crisis and homelessness issues, Tang proposed exploring alternative ways of using funds currently allocated to the city’s shelter system.

He suggested that part of the existing shelter budget could be redirected toward housing subsidies and more flexible housing arrangements designed to help people who have difficulty accessing the traditional rental market.

“If the government provides the funding, I am willing to take responsibility for providing housing solutions,” Tang said, describing the idea as a way to accommodate individuals often considered “high-risk” tenants.

Tang also argued that stable housing conditions can help address broader social challenges. He suggested linking housing programs with employment opportunities so that marginalized individuals can gradually return to productive participation in society.

“Many so-called mental health problems are closely related to long-term social pressure and unstable living conditions. With stable housing and opportunities to work, many people can rebuild their lives,” he said.

Personal Experiences Behind the Campaign

Tang also referred to personal and family experiences that influenced his decision to enter public life.

He said his family faced economic and social difficulties following media coverage in 2009. During that period, his son encountered significant hardships, including financial challenges that affected his education. Despite those difficulties, his son later received the Ontario Premier’s Volunteer Service Award.

“My son is a survivor of the system. I understand what hunger, despair and institutional pressure can feel like. My candidacy is driven by the hope that other families will not have to face similar hardships,” Tang said.

Previous Mayoral Campaign

Tang previously ran for mayor of Toronto and announced his second campaign in 2023. During that campaign, he emphasized economic growth and proposed new financial approaches to municipal fiscal management.

At the time, Tang referenced remarks by investor Warren Buffett regarding global economic cooperation and argued that Toronto should strengthen international economic engagement.

He said the city could serve as a model for international cooperation and highlighted the potential for deeper economic ties with China, which he described as an important partner in global economic development.

Key Dates for the 2026 Election

According to the City of Toronto election schedule:

• Candidate registration begins: May 1, 2026

• Election day: October 26, 2026

About Weizhen Tang

Tang graduated from Central South University of Forestry and Technology in China in 1982 and later served as an assistant professor of microbiology. In 1987, he conducted research as a visiting scholar at The Ohio State University.

After immigrating to Canada in 1990, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Waterloo, earning a Master’s degree in Biology in 1992. He later worked in human genetic disease research at Toronto General Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute.

In 1996, Tang entered the financial sector and founded Weizhen Tang & Associates, Inc. Starting with CAD 4,000 in capital, the firm reportedly grew to CAD 4 million within one year. In 2008, the firm was approved by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) as a registered financial and limited market dealer.

Tang is the author of “My Buffett Path to Wealth” (Chinese, 2006) and “Chinese Buffett” (English, 2018). In recent years he has increasingly participated in discussions on economic policy and governance, saying he hopes to contribute ideas to Toronto’s future development.