Kevin Clarke (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kevin Clarke
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| President of The People's Political Party | |
| In office 2021–2023 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Office distablished |
| Leader of The People's Political Party | |
| In office September 3, 2011 – 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Troy Young |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kevin Mark Clarke
March 21, 1964 St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica |
| Political party | The People's Political Party |
Kevin Mark Clarke (born March 21, 1964) is a Canadian activist and former teacher. He is known for founding and leading The People's Political Party. Kevin Clarke is also recognized in Toronto for his work helping people without homes. He often campaigns on issues important to "the people's rights."
Clarke works to improve the justice system. He has suggested a program called 'The Inmate Monitored Education System' (TIME). This program aims to help first-time offenders learn new skills. It hopes to stop them from returning to crime. He also speaks out about poverty and helping people find homes.
Contents
Kevin Clarke's Life Story
Early Life and Career Beginnings
In the 1980s, Kevin Clarke worked as a Grade 5 teacher. He taught at Chester Le Junior Public School in Scarborough. Later, in the early 1990s, he worked in the car business.
First Steps in Politics
Clarke first ran for Mayor of East York in 1994. He described himself as an "advertising consultant, political rebel and welfare recipient." He promised to step down after three months if elected. He also wanted to start a new political party for everyday people.
He first tried to get elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1995. He ran against the Premier of Ontario, Bob Rae, in York South. He received 170 votes in that election. He ran for York South again in 1996 and for the House of Commons of Canada in 1997. During these campaigns, he called himself a salesman and a businessman.
Activism and Helping Others
In 1998, Kevin Clarke's car business closed. This led to him becoming homeless for about seven years. During this time, he often sang and spoke on the streets of Toronto. He was very active in public discussions. He was also part of the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee, which helps people in need.
Clarke ran for the Ontario legislature again in 2001. He also campaigned for Mayor of Toronto in 2000, 2003, and 2006. He ran for Toronto City Council in 1998 and 2001. His main goals were to make streets and water safer. In 2001, he ran his campaign from a homeless shelter where he stayed.
During his 2003 mayoral campaign, Clarke did an unusual protest. He tore up pieces of a phone book and let them fly in the wind. This happened during lunchtime at a busy Toronto intersection. He told people, "You care if there's paper on the street, but you don't care if there's people on the street." He wanted to show how people often ignore those who are homeless.
Kevin Clarke found housing again in 2005. After that, he worked as an actor for a while.
Later Campaigns and Public Presence
Clarke was a candidate for the 2010 Toronto mayoral election. He is known for using unique ways to reach the public. He has given speeches while riding the TTC. He has also rollerbladed while shouting campaign slogans on the road.
In the 2011 Ontario election, he ran as the leader of the People's Political Party. He also ran for mayor in the 2018 election, receiving 3,853 votes.
Kevin Clarke is known for attending political debates. Sometimes, he causes a stir to make his voice heard. In 2013, he was not invited to a debate in Toronto Centre. However, he showed up and spoke loudly to the candidates. This caused a disruption, and the debate was interrupted.
In 2019, he attended a debate about the environment and climate change. This was before the 2019 federal election. Only candidates from major parties were invited. Clarke entered with a large "Vote Kevin Clarke" sign. He immediately spoke out against the debate organizers. After some discussion, he was allowed to join the debate. He had to promise to remain orderly.
Clarke ran in the 2020 Toronto Centre federal by-election. He also ran for Toronto mayor in the 2022 mayoral election and the 2023 mayoral by-election. His most recent campaign was in the 2023 Scarborough—Guildwood provincial by-election.
