Ward 8 City Councillor John-Paul Danko is taking an unpaid leave of absence from his city council duties while he runs as the federal Liberal candidate in Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas.
Danko issued a statement by email late Tuesday afternoon:
I am very grateful for the opportunity to run to represent the people of Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas in the federal election scheduled for April 28th.
As a Hamilton city councillor, it has been a tremendous honour to represent the residents of Hamilton at the municipal level. However, this is a pivotal election for Hamilton and Canada. My children are 18 and 16 and I have never been more concerned about their future than I am right now – from their ability to find a job, afford a home, to live in Canada, the true north, strong and free.
I am very proud of the work I have done at the City of Hamilton. On Council, I leveraged on my 20 years of private sector experience as a structural engineer and worked collaboratively with my colleagues to improve our Ambitious City. I made a point of working across party lines with our provincial and federal representatives. I believe in the Team Hamilton approach to politics and look forward to continuing to take a collaborative approach to ensuring our city’s prosperity.
As Canadians across the country unite to face the challenges ahead, I am proud to be the Liberal candidate for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas. I strongly believe Prime Minister Mark Carney has the calm and measured approach and the experience we need to lead Canada successfully in these turbulent times.
Together we are strong, #CanadaStrong!John-Paul Danko, P. Eng.
Liberal Candidate – Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas-30-
Danko is hoping to retain the seat for the Liberals following the retirement of long-time MP Filomena Tassi.
The Conservative candidate is Erika Alexander, the New Democratic candidate is Roberto Henriquez, and the Green Party candidate is Georgia Beauchemin.
Election Day is April 28. Advance polls will be open April 18-21.
Learn more about voting at Elections Canada.