Klufas wins Conservative Party nomination for Toronto riding (05/30/04)

Klufas wins Conservative Party nomination for Toronto riding

TORONTO - Ukrainian Canadian Jurij Klufas on March 31 won the nomination to represent the Conservative Party of Canada in the riding of Parkdale-High Park in Toronto by a margin of 3 to 1.

Riding association members and supporters gathered at the Lithuanian Hall where Mr. Klufas was nominated by Dr. Jaroslaw Shudrak and former York Mayor Gail Christie. Investigative journalist and author Victor Malarek introduced Mr. Klufas as a community activist who could keep his word and get things done in Ottawa.

"On behalf of the board of directors, the executive and riding members, I congratulate Jurij on securing the candidacy of the Electoral District of Parkdale-High Park," said Edward Adlers, president of the Parkdale-High Park EDA. "We now have a new, united Conservative alternative to the current Liberal Member of Parliament in the next election."

Mr. Klufas has spent much of his life living, working and volunteering in Parkdale-High Park, and is a former executive member of the Parkdale-High Park PC Riding Association. He also has participated as an executive of other provincial and federal riding associations. He speaks Ukrainian, French, Italian and Spanish, and he studied political science in Rome where he co-founded a branch of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization.

As a business owner and as the founder and executive producer of the Ukrainian television program "kontakt," which airs in Canada, the U.S. and Ukraine, he has traveled around the world and gained a global perspective on the issues facing Canada.

Mr. Klufas, who is married and raising four children, said one of his greatest concerns is the safety of our communities. "We have to close the revolving door in our justice system and keep repeat violent offenders off the street. Our children deserve safe neighborhoods and we deserve the peace of mind that comes from that," said Mr. Klufas. "I want to work closely with this riding because only community action based on common values will create the infrastructure for the safety we all desire for our families."

Healthcare is another major concern. "St. Joseph's Health Center is one of the better health care facilities in all of Canada, staffed by dedicated doctors and nurses. But it's not receiving the attention it deserves and, as a result, our community is being left to suffer," Mr. Klufas noted.

The candidate also said he believes that the federal government must create a mutually respectful partnership with the provinces and the municipalities to ensure that everyone has access to health care, no matter what their income. "We have to stop the patronage and favoritism that are gouging at the funds needed for public services. We have to help cities such as Toronto to improve public transit, roads and the environment."

As founder and president of the annual Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival, Mr. Klufas said he is dedicated to continuing the promotion of community events and fund-raisers that bring in millions of dollars in economic prosperity and allow for the showcasing of community institutions and charities, including St. Joseph's Health Center. "My goal has always been to build community confidence and spirit, because a community where people are involved is a healthier community. Parkdale-High Park is a riding rich in diverse social and cultural communities and I believe that most of us have the same philosophical and family values; the same practical work ethic. I am determined to reach out and engage these communities so that this riding grows in the prosperity, unity and visibility it deserves," Mr. Klufas stated.

Volunteers are encouraged to contact the Jurij Klufas Campaign at (416) 234-2002 or campaign@klufas.ca. For more information on Mr. Klufas or the Conservative Party of Canada in Parkdale-High Park, readers may log on to http://phpconservativeparty.tripod.com.

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