votejacinta.ca
My name is Jacinta Kanakaratnam.
I am a candidate in the 2022 Toronto City Council Election for Ward 25 - Scarborough - Rouge Park.
Learn why you should vote for me on October 24.
My Story
My parents moved to Scarborough in 1979.
For over a decade, I have engaged tirelessly for affordable housing, community safety and civic action in Scarborough. I have worked, volunteered and contributed to businesses and community organizations in Scarborough. Hearing and seeing the ongoing, unresolved challenges people are facing because of lack of action by leadership at the municipal level inspired me to run for councillor.
The last four years have shown strong, diverse leadership is needed to address shortcomings and unfinished work in the community; as well as work that has not started.
My vision for A Better Scarborough Rouge - Park demands a focus on:
Community Engagement - Inclusive townhall meetings and consultations
Mobility - Public transit, cyclists, pedestrians & drivers all deserve to operate safely and efficiently
Housing - Examine the current state & propose solutions for affordability
Investment in Scarborough - Attract the right investments and create local jobs
Community Safety - Evaluating realistic solutions to minimize violence and crime
We need real representation at City Hall. Let's build a Better Scarborough - Rouge Park.
Vote for change on October 24, 2022. Vote Jacinta.
Why Vote Jacinta?
In the Community
As a director on the board of the West Scarborough Legal Services Clinic, I fought for access to justice, affordable housing focused on legalizing rooming houses and poverty reduction. I also sit on various boards under a non-profit real estate developer, where I hope to make tangible changes to improve access to affordable housing. For the past 15 years I have volunteered at the Yonge Street Mission. I have provided financial assistance to TAIBU Community Health Center, as well as the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention. Just this past summer I was able to personally hand out over 400 backpacks with school supplies to children in the Galloway and Malvern neighbourhoods.
Work Experience
I have spent my career in the public service. From criminal justice administration, thereafter in program consulting for domestic violence programming; later on pivoting to finance and senior advisory. My career has been results driven. I have been recognized for my work ethic and for building solutions that streamline projects. From participating in multi-million dollar budget forecasting, annual reporting and risk analysis, my skills lend themselves to fiscal accountability, locating savings and re-examining the status quo.
Education
I hold a Bachelors of Applied Science honours degree in Justice Studies and a diploma in Law and Security. I have also completed coursework on Indigenous Cultural Competency, Understanding Systemic Racism and Exploring Unconscious Bias.
Awards
Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contribution - West Scarborough Community Legal Clinic
Certificate of Recognition for Contribution to Canada’s Successful Pluralism and Enthusiasm for Community Service - Prime Minister of Canada’s Office
Law Award - Notable Life: Canada-Wide Young Professional’s Network
Please note my campaign is self-funded. For transparency and accountability, I am not accepting donations.