Former MP Kevin Vuong reflects on balancing public safety, fighting antisemitism, and building a stronger Canada

Kevin Vuong served as the MP for Spadina-Fort York from 2021-2025, where he was the youngest Asian-Canadian elected to the 44th Parliament. Kevin grew up in Toronto as a second-generation Canadian of Chinese heritage, the son of refugees from the Vietnam War. As an entrepreneur, he’s built several companies, including a govtech firm. In 2015, he joined the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve, where he now holds the rank of Lieutenant (Navy). He speaks to us about feeling called to public service out of a sense of duty and gratitude to the nation that welcomed his family.

Q: What inspired you to get involved in politics?

Kevin Vuong

FORMER MP KEVIN VUONG: My parents were among the many “Boat People” who escaped the conflict and violence of the Vietnam War and built a life here in Canada from nothing. Their resilience and gratitude toward Canada and Canadians have shaped how I view service. I’ve gravitated towards roles and activities that allowed me to get involved in making our cities and our country both more efficient and more prosperous. Whether it’s through being a naval officer, an entrepreneur, a board member, or as a Member of Parliament, the constant factor has been a personal drive to make this country better not only for me, but for my neighbours and, most importantly now, my daughter and family.

Q: As an MP, what were some of the issues you prioritized in Spadina–Fort York?

FORMER MP KEVIN VUONG: I was an advocate for constituents in Spadina-Fort York who wanted safer, more vibrant, and prosperous communities. Spadina–Fort York is one of the most diverse and densely populated ridings in the country, and it faces its own set of unique challenges. I focused on national issues related to defending our democratic institutions and way of life and protecting the well-being of families, including speaking out against unsafe drug injection sites being placed near schools and parks. Harm reduction shouldn’t come at the cost of public safety. I pushed for better support to help those in need to break the vicious cycle of addiction, and more accountability in how public policies are implemented on the ground to address the plague of addiction at its root.

Q: What challenges do you see in balancing public health with community safety, especially around drug use?

FORMER MP KEVIN VUONG: In my riding, there have been several highly visible incidents of children encountering needles near schools and playgrounds, with injection sites nearby. We can’t have drug users or drug dealers taking over our streets and making them scary places to live. We especially can’t place these sites in neighbourhoods without proper consultation or support systems. I pushed for a balanced approach that includes treatment, prevention, and more direct communication with the neighbourhoods affected. There needs to be consensus on where these sites should be and how they will be properly accessed, secured, cleaned, and managed for the betterment of both the people they’re trying to help find a better path for their life, and for the neighbourhood where so many people are just trying to live their lives in peace. We can be compassionate without sacrificing safety and livability.

Q: You’ve been vocal about combating antisemitism. Why is that issue important to you?

FORMER MP KEVIN VUONG: Incidents of antisemitism have spiked in this country since the events of October 7th, 2023, and the fear and danger that Jewish-Canadians feel in their daily lives because of these cowardly acts is unacceptable. As an elected official, I felt a responsibility to speak out against these acts, clearly and consistently. Hate in any form threatens the safety and fabric of our society. I’ve worked closely with Jewish organizations, supported small businesses that were targeted and harassed, and advocated for stronger enforcement of hate crime laws. It’s important because it’s about ensuring all Canadians, regardless of their background, feel safe and protected in their communities.

Q: Any advice for the new Prime Minister on dealing with the Donald?

FORMER MP KEVIN VUONG: Put Canadians first. And that means protecting Canada’s standing as an economic and political leader. The U.S. is clear about its intentions of putting its interests first, no matter the impact on its allies and trade partners. The new Prime Minister needs to prioritize the interests of Canadians with similar intention and action—get our energy to tidewater, build the pipelines and infrastructure necessary to do that, and make Canada the most competitive place in the world to start and grow a business. He’s in a unique position to drive the change our nation desperately needs to reverse the damage of the last decade. I hope he does so.

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