Vision Vancouver has chosen its candidate to represent the civic party in an upcoming city council by-election, hoping residents see him as a fresh new voice in Vancouver.
Diego Cardona is 21-years-old. And even though that may seem a bit young to run for council, Cardona’s story is remarkable.
He came to Canada 12 years ago as a refugee from Colombia, where his father was killed by guerrilla forces.
Once here, he ended up in the foster care system after his mother died from leukemia.
“For whatever reason, life has forced me to grow up a little bit faster than the typical 21-year-old. And those challenges and opportunities have caused my maturity level to speed up a little more,” said Cardona.
Cardona is the spokesperson for the Vancouver Foundation’s Fresh Voices initiative, which aims to welcome young newcomers.
He’s also the Program Coordinator for the Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, and was named in The Globe and Mail’s top young people under 20.
“Vancouver is a growing, young, vibrant and diverse city and we need those voices at city hall,” said Cardona.
He’s hoping to fill the seat left by former Vision Vancouver Councillor Geoff Meggs, who resigned to take on a job as Premier John Horgan’s chief of staff.
The by-election will be held on Oct. 14. Voting by mail will begin on Sep. 26, and advance voting would be held between Oct. 4 and 10.
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