Ted Hsu elected MPP for Kingston and the Islands

Returning as a political leader for Kingston and the Islands, Liberal candidate Ted Hsu has been named Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for the riding, turning the riding from orange to red as he takes over for former MPP Ian Arthur of the NDP.

Hsu was all smiles, gathered with his supporters at Bistro Stefan just after the riding was called on election night, Thursday, Jun. 2, 2022.

“Thank you, thank you,” he said to those gathered, who swarmed to congratulate the former MP and newly-named MPP, including current MP Mark Gerretsen, along with his father and former MP for the riding, John Gerretsen.

“Wow!” he said, holding up his phone to show those gathered the results. His excitement was obvious, as he took time to speak with those gathered individually before addressing the crowd, the win still clearly setting in.

“I want to thank John and Mark Gerretsen. This campaign would not have been possible without old Liberals and new Liberals, provincial Liberals, and federal Liberals.”

Those throughout the riding will be more than familiar with Hsu, who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Kingston and the Islands from 2011 to 2015. Most recently, Hsu served as co-chair of Mayor Bryan Paterson’s Task Force on Housing, alongside his rival for the MPP position, Mary Rita Holland of the NDP. Hsu also served as Executive Director of SWITCH – a sustainable energy and green jobs network – from 2007 to 2011.

A long time advocate for sustainability and climate action, those topics are sure to stay top-of-mind for Hsu during his tenure as MPP. Leading up to the election, Hsu also pointed to the local family physician shortage, housing, and affordability as top concerns for both himself and the constituents of Kingston and the Islands.

Hsu will have to work hard to bring the riding’s concerns and needs to Queen’s Park, as Doug Ford has been re-elected Premier of Ontario, the second term with the PCs in power with a majority win in the 2022 provincial election.

Kingstonist will provide further coverage of the 2022 provincial election tomorrow, Friday, Jun. 3, 2022.

With files from Michelle Dorey Forestell and Emily Elliott.