Federal Election 2025: Beaches-East York Independent candidate Diane Joseph answers our questions

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Beach Metro Community News sent these questions to the federal candidates in Beaches-East York. Not all candidates responded by our deadline. Candidates were asked to keep their responses to approximately 300 words. Please visit our website at www.beachmetro.com for more information on the candidates.)

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

My name is Diane Marie Joseph. I was born and raised in Toronto and am proud to be a first-generation Canadian, the child of immigrant parents who journeyed from Jamaica and Antigua in search of a better life. Their courage and determination laid the foundation for the opportunities I’ve been fortunate to receive.

My educational path took me through Seneca College, and I later expanded my horizons by working across diverse industries. I spent a decade as a banker with two of Canada’s top banks. This experience taught me not only the ins and outs of money management, negotiation, and understanding of business management but also the importance of teamwork and strategic planning. I furthered my education in natural nutrition, delving into holistic healthcare to understand how well-being is intertwined with our everyday lives.

Professionally, I’ve spent my career as a social worker, dedicating myself to supporting marginalized and vulnerable groups—including single mothers, abused children, seniors, and families navigating hardship. These experiences have not only shaped my worldview but have also grounded me in the belief that real change happens when we listen, act with compassion, and advocate boldly for those who are often unheard.

Perhaps most importantly, I have worked as a social worker, engaging directly with marginalized groups, including single mothers, abused children, broken families, and seniors. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the varied challenges that affect real people and reinforced my commitment to creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

I’m running in this election because I believe our communities deserve leadership informed by diverse experiences and unwavering dedication to the well-being of all Canadians. I bring a blend of financial expertise, holistic health insights, and a passion for social justice—qualities that I will use to work tirelessly on behalf of every member of our community.

QUESTION 2: Why is your party and your party leader the best one to deal with the threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, and how will your party support Canadians impacted by tariffs and other American policies towards Canada?

As an independent candidate, I don’t answer to a party or a party leader—I answer to the people. That’s what makes me uniquely positioned to respond to challenges like those posed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies toward Canada. While party leaders may be tied to internal politics and agendas, I am focused solely on what’s best for Canadians—no compromises, no spin.

When it comes to tariffs and aggressive trade tactics, we need representatives who will stand firm, advocate fiercely, and prioritize the well-being of Canadian families, workers, and small businesses. As someone with a background in social work, I’ve seen firsthand how economic strain affects real people — especially those already on the margins.

One of the ways we can soften the blow of U.S. tariffs is through targeted tax cuts. For businesses affected by increased import costs, tax relief can help them stay competitive, preserve jobs, and avoid passing those extra costs onto consumers.

And for everyday Canadians, cutting taxes means more money in their pockets, helping to offset rising prices at the grocery store and the gas pump. It’s about practical, immediate relief for those feeling the squeeze.

I will support policies that protect Canadian industries, push for fair and respectful trade relationships, and ensure that the burden of American policies doesn’t fall on the backs of working families. Whether it’s through smart tax reform, investment in local supply chains, or direct support to impacted sectors, I’ll fight to keep Canada strong, independent, and compassionate.

QUESTION 3: Beyond Canada’s relationship with the United States, what do you see as the next most important issue in this election and how will you and your party address it?

Beyond Canada’s relationship with the United States, the most urgent issue in this election—at least for me—is the deepening inequality affecting too many Canadians.

I’ve sat with single mothers struggling to find affordable child care, fathers laid off and feeling hopeless, seniors quietly enduring unsafe housing conditions, and families stretched to the breaking point by rising costs.

As a social worker, these aren’t statistics to me — they’re stories I’ve lived alongside. They’re people I’ve served, cried with, and fought for. And I carry them with me in every conversation, every decision, and every step I take on this journey.

Affordable child care is not just a women’s issue—it’s an economic one. Families need reliable, accessible care so they can work, study, and build a better future. Unemployment continues to hit vulnerable communities the hardest, and we need targeted support and training programs to get people back to work with dignity and purpose.

And then there’s housing — how can we call this a just society when so many can’t afford a safe place to live?

As an independent, I have the freedom to advocate boldly and directly. I’m not here to protect a party line — I’m here to protect people. I’ll push for investments that reflect our values: dignity, fairness, and compassion. Whether it’s child care subsidies, job creation in underserved areas, or real solutions to Canada’s housing crisis, I will be relentless in ensuring that no one gets left behind.

This election is not just about diplomacy or trade deals — it’s about people. It’s about building a Canada where we all have the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.