RICHMOND, B.C. – An 18-year-old Filipino Canadian is among the youngest candidates for parliament in the current federal election.

Jaeden Dela Torre is on the New Democratic Party (NDP) ticket in Steveston-Richmond East, a riding held by veteran politician and Liberal Party Member of Parliament Joe Peschisolido.

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Dela Torre told The Georgia Straight that he “saw a lot of hope with the values of the NDP.”

“I’m definitely not a Conservative. The Liberal Party I feel doesn’t really represent or understand the kind of stress that my generation is going through,” Dela Torre said.

He said further: “And the New Democrats are really the only party that has put out a platform and a vision and values that say, ‘Hey, we understand what you’re going through and that the reason we exist is because we want to help you get ahead in life. We want to sure that we’re leaving behind a planet for you that’s sustainable. We want to make sure that we’re protecting your rights. We want to make sure that we’re standing for you’.”

The youngest of three siblings, he grew up in a tightly-knit Filipino family, whose members are often seen door-knocking with him. They also actively boost him on social media.

“I am very proud of being Filipino,” Dela Torre said. He wants to inspire other young Filipinos to seek elected office and get involve Canada’s public life.

Dela Torre studies political science at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.