Cardona, 21, named Vision’s byelection candidate
Mayor calls him ‘progressive voice’
A Colombian refugee and former foster child will be Vision Vancouver’s candidate for the city council byelection taking place Oct. 14.
Mayor Gregor Robertson called Diego Cardona “a young, diverse and progressive voice that understands first-hand the challenges facing our city” in his announcement Wednesday.
“Diego’s story is impressive — he has overcome incredible hardship, and now works to make Vancouver a welcoming and inclusive city,” Robertson said.
“By electing Diego Cardona, we can bring a new voice to the table, and send a message about what type of city we want Vancouver to be.”
Cardona, now 21, first left Colombia in 2005 to move to Canada, after his father was kidnapped and murdered by guerrilla forces. Shortly after arriving in Canada, his mother died of leukemia and Cardona and his sister were placed in foster care. Before beginning public school, Cardona was made his sister’s legal guardian.
In recent years, Cardona has volunteered with the Vancouver Foundation’s Fresh Voices initiative, and works as a program co-ordinator for the Kiwassa Neighbourhood House. He has also spent time working with the Federation of B.C. Youth in Care Networks, the B.C. Poverty Reduction Coalition, and Immigrant Services Society of B.C.
Last year, Cardona was named one of the Globe and Mail’s Top 10 under 20 in B.C.
“Mayor Gregor Robertson and Vision Vancouver are committed to getting things done, not just talking about them,” Cardona said in a statement issued Wednesday.
“Vision is the only party that represents my values — diversity and social justice are incredibly important to Vision’s team, and they work to engage young people in the political process. I understand the issues that young people face in Vancouver and will be a voice for a more inclusive, progressive Vancouver.”
This follows on the heels of Vision’s recent announcement that the party would be putting forth five candidates for the Vancouver school board byelection, to be held the same day as the council byelection.
Those candidates include Joy Alexander, Ken Clement, Theodora Lamb, Mike Lombardi and Allan Wong.