Working the File: Tom Rakocevic on advocacy, accountability, and community
By Sean Delaney
As the year comes to a close, MPP Tom Rakocevic describes his role at Queen’s Park in simple terms: showing up, returning calls, and fighting for issues that affect people’s daily lives. Whether residents reach out by phone or email, or meet him at community events, he sees accessibility as a core part of public service.
“My office is proud to help hundreds, if not thousands of residents,” Rakocevic said. “We pride ourselves on returning calls and being out there in the community.”
That presence takes many forms — from popular summer ice cream socials to attending local festivals and neighbourhood events. But much of Rakocevic’s work also takes place in the legislature, where he plays a dual role: advocating for his community while holding the government to account as a member of the Official Opposition.
Rakocevic has been particularly active this past year, tabling three bills and eight motions at Queen’s Park. While opposition members do not control the government agenda, he believes persistent advocacy still delivers results. Since his election, the riding has seen major public investments, including the opening of the Humber Meadows long-term care facility and the launch of the Finch West LRT.
“These things have happened while I’ve been MPP,” he noted. “Even from opposition, we’re still seeing investments when you advocate effectively.”
A central focus of his legislative work has been consumer protection. One bill he has repeatedly introduced would establish a Consumer Watchdog — an independent office, similar to the Auditor General, tasked with protecting Ontarians from unfair business practices, price gouging, and abuse.
Rakocevic has also championed right-to-repair legislation, pushing back against products designed with planned obsolescence. He argues that consumers should be able to fix what they own — an approach that saves money, reduces waste, and supports local repair businesses.
“Every dollar matters right now,” he said. “We shouldn’t be forced to throw things out because they’re glued shut or locked behind software.”
Other motions he tabled address residential airplane noise mitigation, Buy Ontario labelling, sound barriers near highways, dynamic pricing practices, ticket resale gouging, stronger anti-theft standards for vehicles, and digital and video game consumer rights — an emerging area as digital purchases replace physical ownership.
Another important part of his work this year involved supporting local businesses affected by international trade pressures. Rakocevic spent time in Emery Village with local manufacturers and trucking firms to better understand how tariffs and supply-chain disruptions are impacting operations, and brought those concerns directly to Queen’s Park.
“This job is about standing up for people — whether it’s affordability, fairness, or consumer protection — and I’ll keep doing that work.”
As the year wraps up, Rakocevic thanked residents for their continued engagement and support, and extended an invitation to the community.
The Annual Community Skate takes place on January 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Joseph Bannon Park, located at 65 Mary Chapman Boulevard — a chance for neighbours of all ages to connect, skate, and enjoy the season together.
He closed by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and all the best in the year ahead.