Volunteer, naval officer Paul Hong enters race for PC nomination

Paul Hong

A c c o m p l i s h e d community volunteer and Canadian Forces Naval Reserve officer Paul Hong became the newest candidate to seek the nomination of the Dufferin- Caledon PC Association.

The highly-driven 27- year-old graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business and Osgoode Hall Law School emigrated from Korea with his family in 1984, leaving a dictatorship in hopes of finding democracy and opportunity. Hong's impressive educational background, management experience, community and exemplary military service demonstrate his drive and sound judgement and clearly identify him as an individual worthy and capable of winning his riding association's nomination.

"I am joining this race because I am grateful for the opportunities this country and community have provided me and I want to give back to it," said Hong, a 22-year resident of Bolton and Caledon. "I care deeply about the issues impacting both our community and our province and I have the education, experience and drive needed to affect positive change. My deep respect for John Tory's values of volunteerism, commitment to building a strong and diverse team, and my belief that he's a leader who will keep his word make me want to stand alongside him during the next provincial election."

While Hong shares concerns about local transportation issues and extending much needed support to local farmers, he also sees a bigger picture. His work with area community groups has cemented his belief that a society has a responsibility to take care of its most vulnerable members and must do so in a respectful way that gives them the tools they need to maintain or regain their dignity through helping them become self-sufficient.

Hong also believes the province needs a comprehensive and balanced strategy to tackle growth and transportation challenges. He places environment, value for taxpayer money, strengthening our health care system, finding better ways to deliver services to the disabled and elderly and the administration of justice high on a list of priorities. Most recently, Hong presented to the Ontario Legislature's Justice Policy Committee where he made recommendations to strengthen the credentials and transparency of hiring Justices of the Peace.

"I have really felt overwhelmed by the number of friends and neighbours who have said they share my values and who have asked me to run as their candidate," said Hong. "They tell me they want me to run because they want a candidate who can deliver and who brings a record as a community leader through volunteerism."

From his early days as a young immigrant to Canada, Hong's parents instilled in him a strong sense in family, community and a deep respect for the Canadian values of hard work, integrity and community service.

As a student at Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School in Caledon East, Hong quickly identified involvement in the political process as an important vehicle for public service. Having joined the PC party youth in 1997, Paul began fighting for important causes while only a teenager. In addition to being a current member of the Dufferin-Caledon Provincial PC Association executive, he actively volunteered on two leadership campaigns, nine electoral campaigns and managed several youth campaigns.

Working closely with elected officials and government staffers, Hong understands how government works and how to win elections. Hong earned valuable management experience as the president of the University of Western Ontario's social science students' council. He was also elected as a university senator and vice-chair of the student caucus on Governance and he served as a member of the senate review board academic.

His desire to defend the Canadian way of life inspired Hong to join the Canadian Naval Reserve as a 21-year-old in 2000. Having served in five Canadian warships and at two reserve units, Hong provided leadership to more than 50 subordinates, serving as a deputy head of department.

Most notably, he had charge and control of a 936- ton warship and crew of 34 sailors. His proud naval career is highlighted by his appointment as an Aide-de- Camp to Ontario's Lieutenant Governor and his election to the Naval Officers Association of Canada's board of directors, Toronto branch. He was also awarded a unit's Officer of the Year Award for military service and a Commanding Officer's Commendation for exemplary service.

Hong also serves on the boards of directors of

Caledon Community Services (CCS) and St. John Ambulance. He is also an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Holy Family Catholic Church where he serves as the congregation's organist. Hong is also a recipient of the Town of Caledon Volunteer Service Award for Community and Social Services and was awarded the Korean Canadian Scholarship Foundation's award for Legal Studies and Leadership in 2005.

Hong is currently articling at the Torontobased international law firm of Stikeman Elliott LLP. He is the son of proud parents John and Helen and brother to his sister Grace.

Feel free to contact him by e-mail, paulhong@osgoode.yorku.c a.