Distinguished academic, East Gwillimbury native seeks federal Liberal nomination

September 9, 2014 · 0 Comments

Shaun Tanaka
By Mark Pavilons
A York academic hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to federal politics.
In fact, Liberal candidate Shaun Tanaka hopes to help restore voters’ faith in the federal government.
Tanaka, a geography professor at the University of Toronto and an East Gwillimbury native, is seeking the federal Liberal nomination in York-Simcoe.
“York-Simcoe is my home. It is where my parents chose to raise their family and where I have chosen to raise mine. Our region needs a fresh local leader who will represent our interests in Ottawa and I intend to do this as part of Justin Trudeau’s team,” said Tanaka, a mother of twin toddlers who lives in Sharon. “Team Trudeau is gearing up to present a plan to lead this country in a better direction.
“I hope to be a part of the change Justin will present to Canadians as our local Liberal candidate.”
Tanaka is an assistant professor of geography, teaching at University of Toronto Scarborough. She has a doctorate from Queen’s University.
Tanaka has written extensively on social and cultural geographies with a particular emphasis on culinary culture. As a geographer, she is a champion of the environment and currently sits on the Sustainability Board of the University of Toronto.
In addition to her academic qualifications and environmental leadership, she served in leadership positions with the Maytree Foundation and the National Association of Japanese Canadians.
Next year’s election provides an important opportunity for positive change in the federal government.
“I have a vested interest in seeing this community thrive. People want and deserve a Member of Parliament who will challenge the present leadership and bring renewed energy, integrity, and accessibility. I see that change coming through Justin Trudeau and the Liberals and I hope to be an active part of it.”
York’s changing demographics bring their own issues, needs and concerns, she pointed out.
Future development must work in coordination with strong local community consultation. “It must also respect the existing social, cultural, economic, and environmental values that have made York-Simcoe such a desirable place to live and do business.”
The riding also needs to promote tourism to foster business growth.
“There needs to be greater prioritization placed on our farmlands and natural resources through efforts in sustainability and green space protection, while at the same time balancing the need for positive economic development,” she stressed.
Tanaka said she brings a fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm to politics.
“Some may challenge my relative inexperience in politics, but I do not think that this is a negative aspect of my campaign. It does not take away from my awareness of key issues and concerns in our riding. It does not detract from my engagement with what matters most to Canadians.”
Tanaka further explained that “career politicians” are now often met with cynicism and skepticism.
“From speaking to members in our community, it is my view that residents want someone who can represent their needs and interests while at the same time being transparent, accessible, and approachable. Our current government is stacked with career politicians and we need to seriously ask ourselves if we are better of now as a result. Fresh new leadership, and strong dedicated local representation will move our communities and Canada in a positive direction.”
Beyond Tanaka’s professional capabilities, she’s a mother who has a strong connection with families’ needs, concerns and goals.
“I bring to the table a positive and optimistic perspective that has been lacking for a long time in our riding.”
The coming election provides an important opportunity to restore faith in the federal government.
“I am excited to take on the role of public service and be a mechanism for positive change. I strongly believe that the Liberal party best represents the fundamental principles and values that we hold dear as Canadians. They believe that Parliament belongs to the people and not the prime minister. By electing a Liberal Member of Parliament, communities are empowered and given a voice that has been ignored or silenced by our current government.
“Justin Trudeau is gearing up to present a plan to lead this country in a better direction and I am excited to be given the opportunity to run to be a part of that team.”
A nomination meeting for the York—Simcoe Federal Liberal Association has yet been set, although the association’s search committee is looking to schedule one this fall.