Scarborough Southwest federal byelection 2026: Independent candidate April Francisco answers our questions

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

My name is April Francisco. I am running as an Independent candidate because I believe Scarborough Southwest deserves a representative who is truly connected to the people, not a political party.

Scarborough is my first home in Canada. This is where my journey began, it’s where I built my life, where my family lives, and where I’ve had the privilege of serving the community for years and today, I am here to give back.

I come from a background in social work, where I supported families in need, and today, as a real estate professional, I work closely with individuals and families who are struggling with one of the most basic needs, housing.

Every day, I hear their stories: rising costs, uncertainty, and the feeling that no one is truly listening.

I’m not running for a title. I’m running because I’ve seen the problems up close, and I’m ready to take action.

QUESTION 2: What do you see as the top local issues that will be on the minds of Scarborough Southwest voters as they head into this byelection taking place less than a year after the previous federal election?

The top issues in Scarborough Southwest are clear and they are urgent.

First is affordability and housing. Many families are being priced out of their own community. Young people feel like homeownership is out of reach, and renters are facing constant uncertainty.

Second is the cost of living. Groceries, rent, transportation, everything is going up, but wages are not keeping pace.
Third is community safety and senior and youth support services.

Residents want safer neighbourhoods. There is neglect of seniors and they have limited access to healthcare. They are also impacted by loneliness and isolation, and we should have better access to mental health support. We also need stronger youth programs to prevent crime before it starts.

And lastly, support for small businesses. Local entrepreneurs are struggling with rising costs, and they need real support not just promises to survive and grow.

This byelection is happening quickly, but these problems didn’t start yesterday and they won’t be solved without real leadership.

QUESTION 3: What are the key national issues now facing Canadians and how can you and your party have an impact on them?

Across Canada, people are facing three major challenges: affordability, housing, and economic stability.

Housing is no longer just a market issue, it’s a national crisis. We need faster approvals for housing, smarter development, and policies that prioritize people not speculation.

Families are also struggling with the rising cost of living. Canadians are working hard, but many still feel like they’re falling behind. We need practical solutions that put money back into people’s pockets and support working families. At the end of the day family is the foundation of our community.

As an Independent, I’m not tied to party lines. That means I can work with all sides to push for solutions that actually make sense.

My focus is simple: putting people first, family they are our foundation, do not neglect our seniors they were our first giver, support for small businesses, and real opportunities for the next generation because they are our future.

QUESTION 4: How can and will you work with the provincial government and Toronto’s city government to make life better for Scarborough Southwest residents?

Through collaboration because real change does not happen in isolation.

I will actively work with both the provincial government and the City of Toronto to address issues that overlap across all levels
For housing, that means pushing for faster approvals and better coordination between federal funding, provincial policies, and city zoning.

For community safety, it means working with local programs, schools, and law enforcement to support prevention, not just reaction.

For small businesses, aligning support programs so entrepreneurs aren’t buried in issues but are actually empowered to grow, have easier access to funding, lower barriers for startups and entrepreneurs, support local businesses not just the big corporations, and encourage people to shop local and invest within Scarborough Southwest.

And most importantly, I will be present and accessible, bringing the real voices of Scarborough Southwest directly to decision-makers at every level. Because at the end of the day, government should work together, not pass responsibility, and I will be the bridge that makes that happen.