York Region epidemiologist Denis Heng has once again joined the provincial election race for Newmarket-Aurora to campaign for the NDP.
Heng joined the race for the party earlier this month after the Conservative Party called a snap election. He previously ran in 2022, when he came in third with 5,295 votes, representing 12.7 per cent of votes cast.
Heng said he wanted to run to provide the riding’s residents with a progressive way to vote.
“So we’re able to make a difference in our community and shape our community’s future,” he said. “To effectively address the needs of everyone, not just a few.”
Heng joins the race against incumbent Conservative Dawn Gallagher Murphy. The riding’s election will also include Liberal Chris Ballard and Green David Jakubiec.
Getting mobilized for the snap election call posed challenges, Heng said. While the Conservatives and Liberals confirmed candidates for the riding in December and January, Heng had his nomination meeting Jan. 31, where he was acclaimed.
“Coming from a snap election, this isn’t something I personally was expecting, even though it was telegraphed,” Heng said. “The Conservatives, because of their insider knowledge, had a running start. Mobilizing in the winter, trying to get the engagement of voters, was very difficult.
He said he would be ready to join an NDP government to take meaningful actions “working toward the affordability of everyday life.”
“Addressing the issues of health care, addressing the issues of our economy, of the environment, that every election we seem to identify these as the priorities,” he said. “Getting away from just election promises and actually getting to the meaningful action to make progress.”
Heng said he is “being very realistic” about his chances in the race and would be honoured to represent Newmarket-Aurora residents.
“There is a reason why I’m representing the NDP and not another party,” he said. “Whereas the Conservatives, I feel look for more of an individualistic standpoint, I feel like the NDP is a party I can get behind and fully support where the emphasis is more on communities and collaboration. Bringing our community together to work toward a sustainable, thriving community.
“As long as there are voters who believe in this vision, I’m honoured to represent that," he added.