07/20/2025
Eight questions for Don Valley North's newly elected MPP Jonathan Tsao
By Rupen Janbazian
Interviewing an old friend is always a little surreal. You try to keep it professional, but there's a part of you that still remembers sitting across from them at some half-empty conference room table, watching the clock and quietly hoping the next item on the agenda is 'coffee break.'
Jonathan Tsao and I first met during our time on the Ontario Young Liberal executive—back when political life still felt like a curious blend of ambition, idealism, and the occasional free pizza (and 'adult beverage'). Even then, it was clear he wasn't in it for show. He was thoughtful, steady, and quietly relentless. The kind of person who listened more than he spoke, but when he did speak, people listened. I always had a hunch he'd end up here.
So when he was elected Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Don Valley North earlier this year, it felt more like a natural next chapter than a plot twist. What did catch my attention, though, was what he chose to do right out of the gate.
On April 16, Tsao rose in the Ontario Legislature to table his very first petition, calling on the province to continue recognizing May as Armenian Heritage Month and April 24 as Armenian Genocide Memorial Day. For many in the Armenian-Canadian community, it was more than just a symbolic gesture. It was an early and meaningful act of solidarity from someone who understood the weight of that history and the importance of being seen.
Tsao represents a riding that is home to the Armenian Community Centre (ACC Toronto), the Armenian Youth Centre (AYC), the ARS Armenian Private School, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, and many long-standing Armenian organizations and families.
In this exclusive interview, Tsao reflects on his deep and personal connection to the Armenian community, shares his priorities as a newly elected MPP, and reveals his go-to Armenian dish and long-overdue plans to finally visit Armenia.
Let's just say, if he wasn't already considered an honourary Armenian, he is now.
***
Rupen Janbazian: Congratulations, Jon! You've gone from growing up in North York to representing it at Queen's Park. What does it mean to you personally to serve as MPP for Don Valley North?
Jonathan Tsao: Thank you so much. It's an incredible honour to serve as the MPP for the community where I was born, raised, and still live today.
From day one, my campaign was focused on making sure Don Valley North has a strong local voice at Queen's Park—someone who understands the issues that matter most to our community. Whether it's tackling congestion on Sheppard Avenue and finally getting the subway extension built, closing the funding gap in our schools, securing the support North York General Hospital needs to care for our families, or helping small businesses grow, these are the priorities I've been committed to. I'm deeply grateful that our neighbours have placed their trust in me.
Janbazian: This was one of the most closely watched ridings in the 2025 election. You were up against both a Progressive Conservative candidate and a well-known incumbent. What do you think ultimately resonated with voters, and what helped you earn their trust?
Tsao: It came down to who truly understood the community. Doug Ford won a massive majority, but we focused on local issues. I grew up in this riding and have a deep connection to it, and I think that came through. In the end, voters responded to that, and it made the difference.
Janbazian: Education, healthcare, housing, and affordability are top of mind for many residents, especially immigrant and culturally diverse families. What are your priorities on these fronts, and how do you plan to address them in your first year?
Tsao: These issues are absolutely top of mind. I recently questioned the Minister of Education about the $1,500 funding gap in our public schools and the lack of investment. I've also spoken with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing about using my experience with Habitat for Humanity Canada to help build more homes for families in our riding.
People are struggling, and they want to see results. They want to know that their government is working together to improve their day-to-day lives. That's my focus.
Janbazian: On April 16, you tabled your first petition as an MPP, calling on the Legislature to continue recognizing Armenian Heritage Month and Armenian Genocide Memorial Day. You also attended Genocide Memorial Day commemorations at Queen's Park and the community rally downtown. What motivated you to make this issue your first official action, and how did it feel to participate in those moments now as an elected official?
Tsao: I wanted to show that I'm serious about following through. Politicians talk a lot, but I felt it was important to act. I was proud to table my first petition on the Armenian Genocide because we must continue standing up against denial and raising awareness.
One of the most meaningful parts of this work has been hearing from young people in the Armenian community. I've had people come up to me while I'm out shopping or eating at a restaurant just to say thank you. It's incredibly rewarding to know that, because of what I'm doing, they feel seen and represented.
Janbazian: Can you speak about your early connections with the Armenian community? What was it about the history, stories, or people that drew you in and left a lasting impression?
Tsao: I grew up just down the street from the Armenian Community Centre, and my parents still live there today. Because of that, I was surrounded by many members of the Armenian community, some of whom are still close friends. From a young age, I learned about issues like genocide recognition and the importance of protecting the Armenians of Artsakh. That experience shaped me into a strong ally and supporter of the community.
When I think about the Armenian Genocide or what's happening to the people of Artsakh today, these aren't distant or abstract issues. They feel personal because I've grown up alongside the community. Over the years, I've heard many stories from families—grandparents and great-grandparents who survived death marches through the desert, or who were rescued from near-certain death, like the survivors of the Musa Dagh resistance. Hearing these accounts firsthand, whether from survivors themselves or their descendants, leaves a lasting impact.
I also grew up listening to my grandfather talk about how our family fled Shanghai during the communist revolution in 1949. They escaped in the middle of the night, terrified, leaving everything behind. He spoke with a deep longing for a place that no longer exists. Although the context is different, I've sensed that same feeling of loss and yearning in the stories I've heard from Armenian families about their ancestral towns and villages.
The community's defiance and determination have always stood out to me. No matter what hardships they've faced, they remain committed to preserving and growing their culture and identity. That, to me, is real strength.
Janbazian: Don Valley North is home to a wide range of communities, including a large and active Armenian-Canadian population. How do you see your role in supporting this diversity, not just symbolically, but through policy, engagement, and ongoing representation?
Tsao: Diversity is one of our riding's greatest strengths. When I'm at Queen's Park, I feel like I'm representing that diversity in a real and personal way. During the campaign, I often surprised volunteers by saying hello in six or seven different languages. But when you grow up here, that's just part of everyday life. Knowing a few words in Armenian, Persian, Arabic, Chinese, or Greek feels natural—it reflects the makeup of the community.
Janbazian: You've attended the ACC SummerFest, shared meals at community events, and spent time with many Armenian families. So let's have some fun—what's your favourite Armenian dish? Favourite Armenian song? And do you have a favourite memory or interaction that stands out from your time with the community?
Tsao: Favourite dish? Definitely chi kufte; I've even learned how to make it at home. Favourite Armenian song? It's hard to beat dancing to Armenchik. There have been so many memorable moments over the years. But what I remember most is how warm, welcoming, and full of life the community is. Whether it's a big festival or a quiet get-together, I always leave feeling inspired.
Janbazian: And finally, you've been joking for years about finally visiting Armenia and getting my hopes up each time. Now that you're in office, can we expect that official visit? What would be on your must-see list, and what have you heard about Armenia that makes you want to experience it for yourself?
Tsao: I truly can't wait to visit Armenia and hope to make the trip as soon as I can. It would be an honour to visit Tsitsernakaberd and pay my respects to the victims of the Genocide. I also love visiting historic churches around the world, so Etchmiadzin Cathedral and monasteries like Geghard and Tatev are high on my list. And, of course, I'm looking forward to the food! ֎
***
This conversation was published in Torontohye's June 2025 ( #214) issue.
📸Then-candidate Tsao posted this photo from the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto - Թորոնթոյի Հայ Կեդրոն with members of the community and a copy of Torontohye in February (Photo: ; x.com)
