Vaughan MP Fantino confirms he will seek re-election

YorkRegion.com
July 9, 2015
By Tim Kelly

It what was probably the worst-kept political secret in Vaughan, Julian Fantino made it official Sunday: he’s running for re-election.

The 72-year-old MP, first elected in a 2010 byelection, has thrown his hat in the ring in the new federal riding of Vaughan-Woodbridge.

Re-elected in 2011, Fantino said he is running again “to continue to work hard for our community, deliver results and keep our taxes low,” in a campaign-style statement emailed out Tuesday by an employee in his constituency office.

The Vaughan MP has been a cabinet minister during his nearly five years in Ottawa, serving as Associate Minister of National Defence, Minister of State for Seniors, Minister of International Development, and most recently, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

Fantino, the former chief of police in Toronto, York Region and London, as well as being the OPP superintendent, said he is eager to continue with the Tory tough on crime agenda.

“One of the main reasons I entered politics was to make sure that our streets and communities are safe from violent offenders, to ensure our justice system holds criminals to account, while placing the rights of victims ahead of criminals,” he said.

And he took several shots at a favourite target, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau while ignoring NDP leader Tom Mulcair.

“Sadly, the Liberals have opposed our efforts to lower taxes, to balance our budget and to get tough on criminals. In fact, Justin Trudeau’s economic plan includes tax hikes, deficit spending and increased costs on consumers and businesses while the global economy remains fragile.

“At a time of escalating global security threats and economic challenges, Justin Trudeau is just not ready to be Prime Minister,” he added.

In his time in office, Fantino has also courted controversy.

During his most recent cabinet stop, Fantino raised the ire of veterans when, during a scheduled meeting, he arrived late and then got into a finger-pointing argument with vets. He left the meeting but later apparently had a dinner to make peace with them.

In another widely publicized occurrence, he appeared to ignore the shouted calls by the wife of a veteran. He was shuffled out of cabinet just after the new year.

It’s not yet known when the nomination meeting will be held.

The Liberals have nominated Francesco Sorbara while the NDP candidate is Adriana Zichy.

The election is Oct. 19.