Show HN: I am running as an independent MP in Toronto
If a bearblogger would be willing to post this to hacker news I would be grateful. My account is too new to post.
Thank you
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Hello HN,
I am taking a crack at running for MP in the University-Rosedale Riding of Toronto this April 13th.
I am currently collecting signatures to get on the ballot. Unfortunately I will not be able to make it to Toronto before this upcoming Monday, March 23rd, which is the cut off to submit 100 signatures from people who live in University-Rosedale.
If you or someone you know would be willing to sign or collect signatures please let me know.
Email: raidendedo@gmail.com
Phone: 825-561-4187
That’s probably a mistake sharing but I guess you got to risk it to get the biscuit.
As a 29 year old I’m not that young but my hope is to inspire other young people to run for office. I also desire parliament to talk about tech freedom things like unwinding the surveillance state, leaving 5 eyes, protecting people from brain rot, regulation on intrusive ads and isp spying, etc.
The erosion of, not just mine, but everyone’s privacy is something that really bugs me and I’m hoping to repeal some of Canada’s more Orwellian laws. Or at least bring some attention to them.
Besides that I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression starting in high school and now only in the past two years feel to be getting some semblance of control over it which lets me work towards my goals.
Everyone’s health, but for me especially, men and boys mental health is really important to me. I have two brothers, many cousins, a dad, uncles, friends. I wouldn’t say that many of them are particularly optimistic about the future. Even the rich ones. The “I’m good bro” is a cop out of the larger problem. The bros are not good.
I come from a conservative household/family and agree with a lot of what they say. The liberals on an emotional level I like but disagree with how they seek to accomplish things. I think Mark Carney is doing a good job so far. I think Poilievre’s done a good job at uniting his party.
On the selfish side of things I’m doing this because it scares me and I think that’s good for me. I was inspired by Jonah Smith who ran for mayor of Calgary at 18 fresh out of high school. He’s given me confidence to stick with this so far.
I did chemical engineering at Queen’s university. Had a love hate relationship with it. Graduated. Worked for my dad starting a concrete batch plant; we had some wins but also many losses and he ended up winding that down. Later I worked for 7 months at a company in Ottawa called Giatec doing sales. They made concrete sensors. I got laid off.
This past year I moved back home, rekindled a podcast with my friend Erik called Two White Guys and a Wheelchair, created and continue to post to a bearblog, spent time with grandparents, spent time with myself. More details on the past year in my blog (link below).
I grew up in Calgary. My parents are real estate developers/entrepreneurs. In my early life I saw them make and lose a lot of money in the time of the GFC.
My dad's parents immigrated to Calgary, Canada in the 50s. My Nonno was a concrete finisher and started a successful commerical formwork business. My mom's parents grew up in Calgary. My grandma passed away earlier this year; she was a great woman. My grandpa is/was (still alive and kicking at 89) a successful oil and coal guy. For better or for worse, his name has opened many doors for me.
I did engineers without borders in university and it left an immense impact on me. It taught me about systems thinking and attacking problems at the root cause. It showed me that money doesn’t solve problems, people do. Although money helps.
I’m not in-particularly smart or capable or wise. But I’ve seen some stuff and I know enough that things financially are not going the hottest for most people.
Do I know how to fix that. Not really but I know it starts with getting involved and talking to people.
And I think, for me and my learning style, this is the best way to do it.
So again, if you could please sign my form for candidacy (or more importantly collect signatures), I would be very grateful.
Thank you.
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I will be posting a podcast episode every evening for the next few days with my friend Erik to discuss what we learn along this journey.
You can listen here:
https://m.youtube.com/@TwoWhiteGuysandaWheelchair
You can read my blog here:
https://raidendedo.bearblog.dev/
note: i have turned on upvotes; we'll see how things go