An 18 year-old Filipino-Canadian is the youngest candidate in Canada’s federal election for parliament.
Jaeden Dela Torre runs under the New Democratic Party (NDP) ticket in Steveston-Richmond East. He will go against Liberal Party Member of Parliament Joe Peschisolido.
“Friends, I’m excited to be running in this election. For far too long we’ve had successive Liberal and Conservative governments on the side of the wealthy and powerful corporations,” Dela Torre said on his Facebook account.
Dela Torre said he is not a Conservative and he believes in the values of the New Democratic Party.
“I’m definitely not a Conservative. The Liberal Party I feel doesn’t really represent or understand the kind of stress that my generation is going through,” Dela Torre said in an interview.
Dela Torre said his party wants to tell people that they understand what young people are going through and is pushing for a more sustainable future.
“New Democrats believe in making different choices. The NDP believes in helping hard working Canadians, and making investments that’ll improve your lives. Whether you are a student struggling with tuition cost, or a parent having difficulties finding childcare. The New Democrats are there for you. We want to work hard to improve your life, and to ensure no one is left behind. That is our commitment to you,” Dela Torre said.
Dela Torre grew up in a typical close-knit Filipino family. He is the youngest among three siblings.
In the same interview, Dela Torre said he is proud of his Filipino roots.
“I am very proud of being Filipino,” Dela Torre added.
He also encourage young Filipinos in Canada to try elective posts and inspire them through his public life.
Dela Torre is taking up a degree in political science at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. (TN)
