With Clr. John-Paul Danko

Enjoy our chat with Councillor John-Paul Danko. Tthank-you John-Paul for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian!

1. What motivated your decision to run as the Liberal candidate for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, and why do you believe this is the right move for you at this stage in your career?

I am excited for the opportunity to leverage the experience I have gained in my years as a professional structural engineer and city councillor for Hamilton as an MP. I have a deep understanding of the issues, challenges and opportunities that our fantastic city faces. I know how transformational federal funding has been on so many files. I want to bring my deep understanding of our Ambitious City and its residents, combined with my municipal political experience to advocate for Hamilton’s interests on Parliament Hill.

2. Some critics, as seen in a recent letter to the editor in the Hamilton Spectator, have suggested that your decision to leave your City Councillor position could be seen as an opportunistic move. They argue that this allows you to explore the possibility of a new role while not permanently vacating your current position, should you not succeed in the election. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential costs of a by-election. How do you respond to these criticisms?

You can never guess when a federal election will be called. I felt that, given my professional and political experiences to date, I was ready to take my service to our City and its residents to the next level in Ottawa. I think my experience as a councillor is a huge asset that makes me an effective representative for Hamiltonians in Ottawa. Given my alignment with PM Mark Carney’s values and my love for Canada and Hamilton, I know this is the time for me to serve Hamilton in Ottawa.

3. Homelessness remains a critical issue that governments at all levels must address. You’ve been outspoken on homelessness solutions, including your stance on encampments. Some have argued that your views lean more toward conservative approaches, particularly in regard to empathy for those living in encampments. Do you believe this criticism is fair? If not, how do you address these concerns?

Tent encampments in city parks are not a compassionate solution to homelessness. Hamilton is investing nearly $200 million dollars in 2025 on emergency shelter space, supportive and affordable housing - real long term solutions with the support and care homeless individuals need. One of the key reasons I have decided to run for federal office is that I know PM Mark Carney understands that housing affordability and cost of living are critical issues that Canada must solve to build the strongest economy and more enviable society in the G7. Hamilton needs strong federal representation to ensure that federal housing resources and solutions continue to help the most vulnerable. 

4. Our publisher, Teresa DiFalco, and her husband Cal shared a memory of you visiting their home prior to your time as City Councillor to seek their advice on running for office and navigating political life. Looking back on that moment, and considering the experience you’ve gained as a City Councillor, what advice would you give to your younger self or to anyone considering a run for public office? What are the key lessons you’ve learned from your time in office?

I think you have to ask yourself where you are in your personal and professional life – whether this is the right time for you to run. Do you have enough experience with the city and its complex challenges? Is your family on board with your decision? Are you ready to give up a large part of your personal privacy in exchange for the ability to serve your fellow residents? Those are the main questions I would ask.

5. You’ve previously stated that it’s important to take President Donald Trump’s actions seriously. What are your thoughts on how Canadians can best address the challenges posed by his administration? What role can individuals play in this context, and what message do you believe our leaders should be sending to President Trump?

I support PM Mark Carney’s measured, thoughtful, and forceful approach to the challenges that United States President Donald Trump is creating for Canada and Canadians. I agree with PM Carney’s approach to dialogue with President Trump and advocacy for Canadian industry and workers. I also think that Canadians are doing the right thing by avoiding American goods, services and travel while President Trump is threatening our economy and our sovereignty – those boycotts have been a powerful statement that American exporters are noticing.

6. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment during your tenure as City Councillor, and what goals do you plan to pursue if you are elected as the Liberal representative for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas? 

I was directly involved with the discussions that secured final approval for LRT, Council's decision for a firm urban boundary, expansion of the transit network and investments that enabled new affordable housing. However, I am most proud of the respectful, collaborative relationship I was able to build with City staff that allowed for me to quickly implement solutions to local issues like fixing neighbourhood roads, replacing park playgrounds and improving roadway safety. My top priority if I am elected federally is to ensure that the federal government remains a collaborative, active partner with the City of Hamilton working with our provincial counterparts to meet the needs of our residents. I will continue to advocate for funding for Hamilton in all areas of need so that Hamilton and Hamiltonians can realize their potential. 

7. If you could take back one decision or action from your time as a public official, what would it be and how would you handle the situation differently, given the chance?

During the pandemic, Hamilton, along with many other municipalities initiated a mandatory vaccination policy for all City employees. At the time we were relying on the best advice of medical experts while attempting to mitigate the impact of the most severe health crisis of the past century. In hindsight, the mandatory vaccination policy was unnecessary and caused profound stress and anxiety for many of our valued employees along with creating anger and division in the community. 

8. Hamilton’s vision is to be the best place to raise a child and age successfully. How close do you think we are to achieving that vision? In your view, where are we succeeding, and where do we still have room for improvement?

Hamilton is a constantly evolving project – a labour of love for both its longstanding and its newest residents. We are all working together to make our city the great place it can be. I am so proud of the Liberal legacy of the last 10 years for Hamilton – over $5 billion invested in infrastructure, research, business, health and housing, just to name a few areas. I want to make sure that the next generation has the opportunity to live, work and raise a family in Hamilton with access to a great education, a well paying local job and a home and lifestyle they can afford. I want to continue building a city where residents of all ages benefit from continued investment in Hamilton's beautiful greenspace, and active living amenities. I think our city is evolving, always evolving – we need strong Liberal leadership to make sure it keeps becoming a better place to live.

9. As we approach the conclusion of this interview, we typically offer our guests the opportunity to ask themselves a final question. However, in this case, we’d like to give you the chance to speak directly to the people you are hoping will vote for you in the upcoming election. Please feel free to share your message to them. Why should they vote for you?

I am stepping up to serve Hamilton and Hamiltonians at the federal level because I want to mobilize the knowledge and experiences I have gained as a businessperson, councillor, and resident of our city. I was an engineering student at McMaster. I worked as a professional structural engineer here for years. I have served as a councillor for seven years. My wonderful wife Dawn and I have built a family here in Hamilton. I have had countless conversations with residents who have shared their hopes, fears, dreams and ambitions with me. I want to take all of that experience and continue the incredible legacy that the Hon. Filomena Tassi built in this city – over $5 billion in investments. I want to be the Liberal MP for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas so that I can continue to build on her incredible work and take our riding and our Ambitious City forward to a more prosperous, safer and healthier future.