We’re now in home stretch of campaign to elect Peter Milczyn as Liberal Party candidate in Etobicoke-Lakeshore

As I’ve previously noted, I’m a strong supporter of Peter Milczyn as the Liberal Party of Ontario candidate in Etobicoke-Lakeshore.

Peter is doing well in the polling, according to one poll I’ve read. The following overview is from a June 7, 2014 article in the Toronto Star:

• Etobicoke-Lakeshore — (polled May 30, 681 people, accurate to within 4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20) Liberal Peter Milczyn 49 per cent, Progressive Conservative Doug Holyday 39 per cent, New Democrat P.C. Choo 7 per cent, Green Angela Salewsky 4 per cent.

[End of excerpt]

The poll that counts is the final count on Election Day.

Canvassing

Jaan Pill photo

We’ve seen lots of signs going up in the corner of Long Branch where we live. As we get closer to the June 12, 2014 Election Day, we’ve seen more and more of them going up. The campaign is well organized with a lot of staff and volunteers helping out.

Canvassing has been an entirely new experience for me. My initial experience with canvassing was during the Etobicoke-Lakeshore by-election some time back. I’m also looking forward to helping out during the Election Day itself, on June 12, 2014.

Adam Feldman canvassing on behalf of Peter Milczyn near the corner of Queen Mary's Drive and Kingsway Crescent, a residential area that features lots of history and a beautiful, flourishing tree canopy. Election Day was June 12, 2014. Jaan Pill photo

In the current election, I’ve been canvassing regularly with a wide range of canvassing teams. I just turn up at the Campaign Office at 1020 Islington Ave. at a time when I know (often as a result of an email or phone call) that a team is going out, and off I go.

At times Adam Feldman, executive assistant to George Takach, has let me know when he’s next scheduled to canvass. George Takach, who’s campaigning for nomination as the Liberal Part of Canada candidate in the federal Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding, has also joined us during our canvassing.

I’ve especially enjoyed occasions when I’ve had the opportunity to join a canvassing team with the candidate himself, Peter Milczyn. He’s fluent in Polish and it’s clear that he’s a favourite among the Polish-speaking residents in the riding. As well, it’s clear that he’s gained a lot of respect among voters for his achievements and contributions as the Ward 5 City of Toronto Councillor.

Public transit is among the issues of special interest to Etobicoke-Lakeshore residents in this election, judging from questions I’ve received. As well, along the Humber River, the flooding that occurred during an extreme weather event in July 2013 has given rise to many conversations.

Great way to meet voters and get to know the neighbourhoods

Canvassing is a great way to meet voters, and to get a sense of the vast size and demographic range of the riding – from the tree-lined streets of the Kingsway to the mid-rise residential buildings closer to Lake Ontario.

Canvassing as part of a team is much more fun than going around on one’s own. Usually it takes a couple of hours to do a typical canvass when several people are involved. With experience, you learn the ropes and that makes it easier and more fun as well.

If you’ve never tried canvassing – give it a try, for whichever candidate of your choice!

And please remember: If you support Peter Milczyn’s candidacy in this election, please make sure to vote, in the event you haven’t already done so!