Victor Santos Cardoza: A Historic Election at 20
At just 20 years old, Victor Santos Cardoza has set a new record as the youngest individual elected to the town council of Moosomin, Saskatchewan. His commitment to community service, deeply rooted in family values, inspired his candidacy.
Community Roots and Inspiration
Santos Cardoza attributes his dedication to public service to his family's community-focused ethos. “My family back home were very community-driven,” he remarked, acknowledging the foundational role Moosomin played during their critical moments. A deportation notice in 2017 threatened to uproot his family, but the town's collective support kept them in Canada. Through fundraising, petitions, and letter-writing campaigns, Moosomin residents rallied to keep the Cardoza family in their midst.
A Pathway to Citizenship
The Cardoza family's journey culminated in Canadian citizenship, a testament to the community's unwavering support. The family’s citizenship ceremony marked a significant milestone, celebrated by Victor, Lesi Cardoza, Victor Santos, and Edward Santos, as captured by CBC News.
Early Engagement in Politics
Before his historic council election, Santos Cardoza served as Moosomin's first junior councillor. This role offered him invaluable insights into the intricacies of local governance. “That was a really eye-opening experience,” he said, crediting his time as a youth councillor for preparing him for his current responsibilities.
Balancing Politics and Profession
Outside council chambers, Santos Cardoza is pursuing a career in carpentry, apprenticing to earn his Red Seal certification. Working with a local contractor, he balances his professional aspirations with his political duties.
Advocating for Youth Involvement
Santos Cardoza emphasizes the need for youthful voices in politics. “I saw an opportunity to bridge different generations,” he noted, expressing his intent to encourage more youth participation. His primary goal remains to give back to the community that once fought for his family’s right to stay.
Support and Future Aspirations
Acknowledging his inexperience, Santos Cardoza is eager to learn alongside veteran councillors. His parents, although not politically inclined, have been his staunch supporters throughout his journey. With 466 out of approximately 800 votes, his victory marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a long and impactful political career, possibly extending to provincial politics.
A Broader Trend of Youth in Politics
Santos Cardoza's election is part of a broader trend in Saskatchewan, where young leaders like Thomas Sierzycki, elected as the youngest mayor of La Ronge at 21, have paved the way. Sierzycki applauded Santos Cardoza’s achievement, emphasizing the importance of youthful perspectives in political discourse. “Young people bring a dynamic that needs to be heard,” Sierzycki stated, highlighting the value of diverse representation in shaping resilient communities.
As Santos Cardoza embarks on this new chapter, his journey underscores the power of community, the importance of diverse voices, and the promise of youth in shaping the future of Canadian politics.
