Meet your 2022 provincial election candidates for the Humber River- Black Creek Riding

BY: KUWARJEET SINGH ARORA

There is currently a provincial election happening in Ontario. Election Day is on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Don't forget to vote for the candidate of your choice!

You can vote in person on election day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the voting location assigned to you based on your current residential address. You can vote in advance or before an election day at your returning office, or via mail.

Here is a list of local candidates that are running in your area. Please check out the positions from the four parties below. Learn more about where to vote and what you need to vote at https://www.elections.on.ca/en.html

Keith Berry, Green Party Candidate

Keith Berry is a graphic designer and small business owner who loves film, live music, gaming, and getting outdoors to hike along the scenic Humber River Trail. Keith is an active community volunteer, seasoned campaigner, and passionate supporter of Green Party social, economic, and environmental ideas and ideals. Keith was inspired to declare his candidacy in the riding of Humber River – Black Creek to champion both long-time residents and newcomers alike who seek equity in housing, greater living affordability, easier access to transit, and a brighter, and more environmentally sustainable future for their families.

Ida Li Preti, Liberal Candidate

Ida’s story resonates with many in Humber River-Black Creek who shares her experience as a child of immigrants that came to Ontario in search of opportunity and a better life for their families. Ida is a University of Toronto graduate, a small business owner, school board trustee, and director on the Toronto Board of Health. Ida and her husband have been together for 22 years and have three young children. Ida is passionate about public service, growing up in a household where her mother was a school teacher and her father dedicated his life to politics, community, and public service. She has volunteered on multiple campaigns and believes whole-heartedly in the vision of an equitable and prosperous community where nobody is left behind. Ida first entered the political realm in 2018 when she was elected as a school board trustee, serving with grace and enthusiasm on various committees including Governance and Policy, Mental Health, Anti-Racism, 2SLGBTQI+, Student Achievement, Bylaw, and Corporate Services. Ida has an inspirational leader who has earned her seat at every table she serves and is valued as a strong and reliable voice for progress. Ida Li Preti has what it takes to bring real positive change with Ontario Liberals as the first-ever woman MPP in Humber River—Black Creek.

Paul Nguyen, Conservative Candidate

Paul’s impact is recognized by political and community leaders across Canada. He is a public speaker and media commentator on race, crime, and youth issues. In 2006, he spent a year working with CBC’s The Fifth Estate following the lives of gang-involved youth in the Gemini Award-nominated Lost in the Struggle. Paul is a recipient of the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism, William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations, Heritage Toronto Award, Canadian Ethnic Media Association Award, National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada Award, and the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. In 2012, Paul was awarded Queen Elizabeth II, Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Prime Minister and Governor-General at Rideau Hall for ‘fighting stereotypes and acting as a role model and mentor for at-risk youth’. In 2015, he returned to Rideau Hall as a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal. In 2017, Paul received the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal. In 2018, he was a recipient of Canada’s Volunteer Awards. Paul was featured on Noteworthy Canadians of Asian Origin for Asian Heritage Month by the Government of Canada. In 2019, he was featured in the book 150 Extraordinary Canadians. Currently, he serves on the York University Alumni Board and the York University Senate.

Tom Rakocevic, NDP Candidate

Tom is a lifelong resident of the Humber River-Black Creek, where he lives with his wife, two young children, and elderly mother. Growing up in a rental building with a sick parent, Tom went on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Science. He has been an active community advocate for over 25 years and is now seeking re-election. Before being elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament, Tom worked for over a decade as the Executive Assistant to local City Councillor Anthony Perruzza. He advanced projects to improve services, neighbourhood safety, public spaces, and local infrastructure. He has visited many schools to teach youth the importance of environmental stewardship. At Queen’s Park, Tom fought for investments in health care and education, a cleaner environment, and consumer protection. He tabled bills for fair auto insurance, better rights for consumers, and more. Tom was the former critic for Government Services and Consumer Protection and Auto Insurance. Most recently, he was the Ontario NDP Transit critic, where he spoke up for safe, accessible, affordable, and reliable public transit for all. If re-elected, Tom will continue to fight to ensure that residents of Humber River-Black Creek receive the respect and support they deserve.