WEBSITE: hemavyas.ca

EMAIL: hema@hemavyas.ca

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1. What key issues define your campaign platform?
As an independent candidate free of political party ties, I will represent our communities directly, and will ensure that we work together to develop a vision for our neighbourhoods. We have a right to shape our communities – it’s time that we bring residents to the table. I will fight for the electrification of the new Union Station – Pearson Airport link to stop the diesel trains before they arrive, because they are creatures of the past. We live in the present, and must prepare for the future. We need to work together to ensure that our communities in Ward 18 – Davenport accommodate residents of all ages, today and for years to come. Toronto must invest in accessible and efficient public transit, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and strengthen our communities and neighbourhoods.

2. Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I am passionate about working with people from different backgrounds to build strong communities that work. As an independent candidate free of political party ties and stripes, I have built a career around working in the public, private and non-profit sectors to support vibrant communities. My hands-on experience in community building in the non-profit sector taught me to stretch every dollar and deliver programs that work. During my years of public service at the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, I have evaluated programs and worked with people to ensure that our programs and services work for communities’ needs. I am especially proud of my volunteer activities as tutor at Pathways to Education and Past President of the June Callwood Centre for Women and Families.  As an independent candidate, I do not have any political party interests or agendas. No hidden fees in this contract!

3. What specifically do you plan to do for your ward, if elected?
We need to plan our neighbourhoods better. I will establish a local planning board that brings people in the community back to the table before development decisions are made. We have the right to shape our communities. I will work to strengthen our communities and will be a transparent, accountable and accessible councillor. For example, I plan to host lunchtime teleconferences, where everyone can call-in and discuss issues of concern with me and their Ward 18 neighbours. I will also provide more opportunities to connect outside of regular office hours and make information and resources available online in many languages.

4. Please provide details on your personal bio.
I am Past President of the June Callwood Centre for Women and Families, a centre for young mothers in need. I am also the Community Representative at Culturelink, where I provide advice on programs that facilitate the settlement of newcomers to Toronto. I have also tutored at Pathways to Education. In my current role of Evaluation Coordinator at the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, I examine the effectiveness and efficiency of postsecondary programs in Ontario. I am also a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and hold a Master degree in Planning and Development.

5. Who do you plan to support for mayor?
As an independent candidate, with more endorsements from community leaders, residents and well-respected politicians than any other candidate in this race, I am fully prepared to work with many of the mayoral candidates to make sure our communities’ interests and needs are met.