As a volunteer soccer coach, Mohsin Rizvi has been a motivating force for young local players looking to reach their potential.
Recently, the Milton husband and father has been the one receiving the encouragement – in this case, to enter the political arena.
He’s doing so as the Centrist Party of Ontario’s local candidate for the fast-approaching provincial election, one of just five party candidates across Ontario’s 124 ridings.
The idea to represent the CPO came from a federal party representative Rizvi knew. Admittedly, the prospect wasn’t initially embraced.
“I said why are you telling me to join the party? You can see me, I have the disease,” said Rizvi, a 52-year-old Pakistan native who lives with Parkinson’s and has two sons in university. “He said I know you can do it. He believed in me and also my family supported me.”
A Miltonian since 2016 who’s now looking for work as an accountant, the CPO flagbearer sees the economy – specifically job creation – as a primary focus for the provincial election.
“I have seen people here suffering, also looking for jobs. I want to work for them and help them… to serve my community,” said Rizvi, noting he’d be a champion for small businesses.
Regarding the looming U.S. tariffs, he says a strong, effective response is vital.
“Donald Trump is pressing and pushing us, and there’s lots of pressure for our leadership. Someone should come forward and answer this and have a strong policy towards it.”
A Liberal supporter for many years, Rizvi said he’s lost faith with the party – at least at the federal level – pointing to inflation and unemployment.
“I think I can do much better for the people. I want them to see me, judge me, and then make a decision.” he said. “I will tell them I will do the best for them. I will fight for them and for trying to create job opportunities.”