The Courage of Convictions: An Interview with MP Kevin Vuong

Since 2021, Kevin Vuong has been a Member of Parliament from Toronto’s Spadina-Fort York in Ontario, Canada. As the child of refugees and a proud Canadian of Asian heritage, he is grateful for the opportunities the nation has provided him. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant(Navy) in the Royal Canadian Navy. He has also achieved success in the private sector, starting several businesses in govtech and manufacturing. His tenure as a Member of Parliament is marked by influential stances on combating crime, hate speech, and foreign interference. He is married to Elizabeth Vuong and they have a daughter.
Let’s start with an issue that has sparked much debate: safe injection sites. You’ve been vocal in your opposition to them. Can you explain your stance and what alternative solutions you support?
Absolutely. I’ve always believed in addressing addiction through pathways that prioritize rehabilitation and recovery, not enablement and harm facilitation. First, let us call these sites what they are: drug injection sites. They are not safe and, while well-intentioned, have been perverted from their noble goal since inception by bad actors exploiting them for their own personal and financial gain.
These sites have normalized drug use and failed to address the root causes of addiction. We should be focusing on increasing access to treatment facilities, mental health support, and job training programs. When drug injection sites opened in otherwise peaceful neighborhoods, they introduced elements of crime and public drug use that have caused intense harm and trauma to families that live there. I have heard from fathers who had their wife and children assaulted, women afraid to walk their own neighbourhoods at night, and local businesses who have made the hard choice of closing up shop, to name but a few examples. These sites have shown us that they are not the answer.
Addiction is as much a health issue as it is a societal one, and only comprehensive solutions can provide real hope for those struggling, but you don’t make a community safer by sacrificing the safety of our most vulnerable – children. That’s a trade-off that no one should ever make. Our first priority and guiding principle must always be doing what’s best for Canada’s next generation.
A significant topic in recent months has been foreign interference in Canadian elections. You’ve advocated strongly for transparency with the hashtag #ReleaseTheNames. Why is this issue so critical, and what steps should be taken?
Foreign interference undermines the very foundation of our democracy. When foreign entities influence our elections, it compromises the ability of Canadians to have their voices heard without external manipulation. #ReleaseTheNames reflects the urgency for transparency—Canadians deserve to know who has been compromised and to what extent. How can Canadians have an election if they don’t know whether the person they are voting for is acting in their best interests or others? Safeguarding our electoral system is non-negotiable if we’re to maintain trust in our institutions.
Antisemitism has been described as reaching unprecedented levels in Canada recently. What measures do you believe should be taken to combat hate speech and protect Jewish and Israeli communities?
The rise in antisemitism is deeply troubling, and we must take a firm stand against it. Hate speech directed towards Jews should have no place in Canada, but the actions of our so-called “leaders” have demonstrated otherwise. We don’t need new laws, but to enforce our existing hate speech laws. Education is another powerful tool. We must teach the next generation about the dangers of bigotry. This isn’t just about protecting one community; it’s about upholding Canadian values of tolerance and respect.
Many Canadians are calling for a change in leadership at the federal level. What qualities do you believe a new Prime Minister needs to exhibit, and what should their priorities be?
Strong leadership is more critical than ever. Canada’s next Prime Minister must be decisive, principled, and deeply connected to the needs of Canadians. They need to prioritize restoring economic stability, ensuring national security, and fostering unity in a time of division. Transparency and accountability should be at the core of their governance. Canadians are looking for someone who can bring people together while making the tough decisions necessary for progress. Leadership isn’t just about managing crises—it’s about inspiring hope for the future.
Lastly, what message do you have for Canadians who feel disillusioned by the current political climate?
To Canadians feeling disillusioned, I want to say: don’t lose faith in the power of your voice. Democracy is about participation, and real change comes from the grassroots level. Engage with your local representatives, educate yourself on the issues, and hold your leaders accountable. This is your country, and every small action contributes to shaping its future. Together, we can rebuild trust and create a Canada that reflects our shared values of fairness and opportunity.