Zorra Township resident running as an independent on April 28

Embro resident Akshay Vardhan is running in Oxford as an independent candidate. (contributed photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Akshay Vardhan is looking to shake up the federal political landscape in Oxford County by running without a party affiliation.

Vardhan lives in Embro with his wife Geetika and over the past few years has had the pleasure of volunteering at community events like the Embro Highland Games and the Embro Tractor Pull, experiences he said have deepened his connection to the community.

“With over a decade of experience across law, finance, and real estate, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the challenges everyday people and businesses face, and I’m passionate about finding practical, cost-effective solutions. As a licensed lawyer in Ontario, I’ve worked hard to make legal services more accessible and efficient for Canadians.”

He explained he is enthusiastic about using technology to modernize how those services could be delivered, and he has a particular interest in the opportunities presented by blockchain and digital innovation.

“My goal is to help individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in Oxford County and across Canada navigate legal and regulatory systems with confidence, while supporting the kind of sustainable economic growth that benefits us all.”

Vardhan said he decided to run because he wanted to challenge the status quo and bring fresh, forward-thinking ideas into Canadian political discourse.

“There is a real need for alternative perspectives, ones that aren’t bound by rigid party lines. As an Independent candidate, I have the freedom to prioritize the needs of my constituents over party agendas and to advocate for practical, common-sense solutions without political compromise. With a background in law, finance, and technology, I bring a unique blend of skills and real-world experience to the table.”

Vardhan’s top election issue is promoting economic development, diversification and employment.

“While sectors like agriculture and manufacturing are prominent, there’s a need to attract diverse industries to ensure economic resilience. Economic disparities persist within the community, with a significant portion of the population considered working poor. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to low-income levels.”

He added he will champion sustainable agriculture, marketing of local foods and fair prices for farmers. Vardhan said he also wants to give small businesses a boost by providing skilled trades training, youth employment and entrepreneurial programs.

Also on the radar for Vardhan is traffic congestion and road safety which remain significant concerns, particularly in areas like Embro. He is also looking to improve transportation options.

“Traffic calming measures must be extensively implemented to address high vehicle speeds. Limited public transportation options in rural areas, especially inter-community bus services, hinder mobility for senior citizens and residents without personal vehicles who need to travel between municipalities. I will support transportation initiatives by actively collaborating with provincial and municipal governments to enhance public transit options and implement traffic mitigation strategies.”

Vardan added Oxford County is experiencing a significant housing shortage with many residents struggling to find affordable options.

“Communities like Woodstock and Tillsonburg are experiencing low vacancy rates, leading to increased housing costs and affordability challenges. I will advocate and lobby for increased federal investments in affordable housing projects and infrastructure improvements tailored to the county’s needs, focusing on increasing affordable housing options and reducing homelessness.”

Health care is another issue residents are concerned about, as Oxford County residents face challenges related to accessing timely and comprehensive healthcare services, including shortages of family physicians and mental health support.

“I intend to provide sufficient healthcare centres in the county. We also need to work towards increasing federal support for healthcare resources, aiming to improve accessibility and reduce wait times in hospitals.”

Vardhan explained he is committed to promoting economic growth and employment across Oxford County.

“In Woodstock, I will focus on attracting diverse industries and supporting small business innovation to create sustainable jobs. In Ingersoll, expanding skilled trades and light manufacturing through workforce training and upskilling programs will be a priority. For Tillsonburg, I aim to address economic disparities by encouraging investment in sectors like health services and green energy, while supporting fair wages. In East Zorra-Tavistock, I will champion sustainable agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, and improved digital infrastructure to boost local businesses and remote work opportunities.”

He added environmental sustainability and sustainable development are also top of mind.

“Balancing growth with environmental stewardship is crucial, particularly in preserving our agricultural lands, supporting clean energy and green spaces amid expanding urbanization.”

He added he will also support initiatives that promote sustainable development and environmental conservation within the region. The implementation of responsible waste and sewage management will also be a priority.