Kevin Vuong was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Toronto’s Spadina-Fort York in 2021, becoming the youngest Asian Canadian in Parliament. He focused his legislative efforts on public safety, security, and combating hate crimes. Vuong is the first in his family born and raised in Canada. He is of Chinese heritage and the son of refugees from the Vietnam War. He holds the rank of Lieutenant (Navy) in the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve. He is married to Elizabeth Vuong, and they have one daughter.
_____________________________
Q: There has been a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across Canada. What specific measures do you believe the government should implement to ensure the safety and protection of Jewish Canadians?
KEVIN VUONG: During my time in Parliament, I sponsored a bill to amend the Criminal Code to curb hate propaganda and hate crimes and to define “hatred” for the purposes of two hate propaganda offences. We’ve seen how incendiary phrases like “from the river to the sea” can be in inciting violence against Jewish people. Antisemitic incidents in Canada more than doubled since the start of the war. We need stronger enforcement of the hate crime laws we already have on the books to ensure those who commit them face real consequences. We must also combat radicalization by cutting funding to organizations that promote hatred and intolerance. Sadly, I think the surge in incidents demonstrate the need to increase security funding for schools, synagogues, and community centers to ensure they remain safe spaces.
Q: You’ve been vocal about keeping drug injection sites out of residential neighbourhoods. What alternative solutions do you propose to address addiction while ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities?
KEVIN VUONG: Safe streets and communities should be a top priority. While addiction is a serious issue that requires compassion and treatment, allowing drug injection sites in residential areas endangers families, businesses, and local safety. Instead of enabling drug use, we need to invest in rehabilitation, treatment centers, and mental health services that help people overcome addiction. Upholding the law must also be part of the solution, targeting drug traffickers, and ensuring repeat offenders face actual and serious consequences.
Q: Many Canadians are concerned about foreign influence in our elections. What steps should Canada take to protect the sanctity and security of its election process?
KEVIN VUONG: Simply put, we need a government that prioritizes Canadian interests. This means identifying and punishing any sign of foreign meddling in our election process. The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) reported that over 1,000 documents related to foreign interference were withheld from its review. Without proper oversight, Canadians have no chance of restricting foreign actors from interference. Our government has an obligation to release the names of the MPs who are suspected of collusion or election interference. They should not be allowed to hide behind procedural obstructions – the issue is much too important.
Q: As an independent MP, how did you navigate these pressing issues without the backing of a major party, and how did you work to ensure your constituents’ voices were heard in Parliament?
KEVIN VUONG: Being an independent MP allowed me to prioritize my constituents and what was best for them and the country. My focus was always on common sense policies that protect Canadians, strengthen our economy, and ensure safer communities. I worked with MPs from all parties when there was common ground and held the government accountable when they failed to act in the best interests of Canadians. My goal was to be a strong, independent voice for the people of Spadina-Fort York and Toronto, ensuring their concerns were heard and acted upon in Parliament.
