MP for Kingston and the Islands
Ted Hsu is the very definition of what it means to be a Liberal. He’s pragmatic, compassionate, and a creative problem solver. His commitment, confidence, and collaborative nature are key components of his leadership.
When I was first elected as an MP in 2015 to carry on Ted’s work in the House of Commons, he was keen to meet with me to assist in any way possible to carry on his work. Ted had spent four years working across the aisle when Liberal presence in Parliament was at an all-time low. He was successful in many regards and wanted to make sure that I had everything I needed to continue work on key files without interruption.
In particular, I remember two of those issues: the Prison Farms, of prime importance to Kingston and the Islands, and the Long Form Census, of vital importance to the whole of Canada. Ted built the foundation during his four years as MP that led to the restoration of both. In fact, the restoration of the Long Form Census was the first action of the new Liberal Government in 2015. The prison farms in the Kingston region re-opened in 2019.