Interview with Tom Rakocevic, Member of Provincial Parliament-Humber River-Black Creek

Mr Tom Rakocevic pointed out in his welcome speech: "May the celebration grow in the coming years"

You are most responsible for the implementation of such an exceptional law. You have made a proposal that has been adopted (your private members bill). How long have you been working on it. Who else were the initiators of the proposal and your associates? There have been countless individuals and organizations who have worked over many years to spread the name, story and achievements of Nikola Tesla here in Ontario. I was honoured to build on their important work, and I began thinking about this bill shortly after I was elected. My initial planning team included Veroslav Djurdjevic, Majda Djordjevic and Colin Campbell from NTEC, and we were later joined by Tatjana Pavlovic and Zoran Cvijetic from the Canadian Serbian Alliance. Throughout the process I worked with the Serbian Consul General, Vasilije Petkovic, and the group grew with many new experienced individuals who helped plan the first Nikola Tesla Day event at Queen's Park. As well, there were many individuals across Ontario who contacted their own MPPs to advocate for the passing of this bill. With such strong support, the bill passed Second and Third Reading within a single day and received Royal Assent the day after, which is a rare event.

Dejan Ralevic, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Canada, Vasilije Petkovic, the Consul-General of the Republic of Serbia, representatives of the Professional Engineers of Ontario, the Nikola Tesla joined you on the July 10 celebration on the glade of Queen's Park. Educational Corporation, and members of various Serbian-Canadian organizations. At the end of the celebration was the awarding of decorations to deserving activists and associates? I was honoured to recognize many important individuals and organizations who have worked hard for many years to spread word of Nikola Tesla. Their work and achievements have been an inspiration to me and they were greatly deserving of the recognition. I was also honoured to present an original signed copy of the bill to the Serbian Consul General, Vasilije Petkovic to give to the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade.

In your speech, you said, among other things, that you hope that Nikola Tesla Day will open the door for science to be more recognized and respected and for scientists to be awarded for achievements, because that is how this world we live in will ‘be better’? As I stated in the preamble of my bill, "Our world reflects the realized dreams of countless scientists, engineers and people of medicine. As our daily lives have been greatly improved through their visionary work, it is important that we acknowledge their lives." I believe that by celebrating people of science and acknowledging them as important role models, it will encourage more young people to study and work in the sciences, paving the way for greater innovations in the future.

For your studies, you opted for Science, Biology and Education at York University. Did you do that?How long have you been involved in politics and what motivated you to do so? I was always keenly interested in the sciences and completed a Masters Degree in Science and a Bachelors Degree in Education. Since my time in high school and onward, I was always interested in community building and active civic participation. Growing up as a rental tenant with a father who battled illness and ultimately passed away when I was a young man, I realized there was much to be grateful within our system, but also much that could be improved. I believe it is important for all of us to be involved in working to create a better system and country that ensures nobody is left behind.

From the first technical immigration, our ethnic community has experts, professors and leaders in technology. In the second generation, young adults in Canada do not follow that difficult path, which is not recognized enough, but turn more to business, sometimes medicine and rights. What benefit do you see from the progress in uniting the Serbian community, is it necessary because, regardless of equality, everyone keeps to their own and supports?

There are many positive benefits in uniting the Serbian community here in Canada, including ensuring that the culture and traditions continue in future generations, great opportunities for mentorship, networking and providing a helping hand to one another, and more. Serbian-Canadians can be found in all sectors working hard and achieving great personal success while making positive contributions within the society in which we all live. As a representative of the second generation of emigrants, what is your attitude towards your origin and tradition? With the exception of the indigenous community who have lived here for thousands of years, we are all immigrants. One of the many great things about Canada is the multicultural society we all enjoy. I am proud of my roots and our rich history traditions and culture.

Your Father was a Serb from Montenegro who Moved to Canada, your Mother is from Montreal. What language did you speak at home with your parents? My father's mother tongue was Serbian and my mother's was French. I was born in Toronto, where I have spent my entire life, and the main language we spoke at home was English.

You have two young sons, Aleksandar and IlijaIt is an interesting coincidence that your older son, who joined you at the celebration, was born on the same day as Nikola Tesla. How do you manage to balance all business obligations with your role of a young father? It is a tremendous honour to serve as a Member of Provincial Parliament, and I am proud to work hard for my community and all Ontarians. As many can tell you, it is always a delicate balancing act to work and raise a young family. I find time where I can, especially in the early morning and evenings. Fatherhood has certainly been my life's greatest joy.

You have been to Serbia and Montenegro several times, where you especially liked the old seaside towns of Kotor, Budva ... Are you planning a visit again and are you in contact with your relatives there? I have a large family living in Montenegro and other places in Europe. My visits to Serbia and Montenegro have been unforgettable, and there are so many beautiful places to experience there. I am in touch with my family there and hope to return again in the future.

How has Covid 19 affected your life and work? As a politician, a large part of my work involves interacting with people. Like others during this pandemic, I had to adapt, meaning new and different ways to interact with people such as on virtual online platforms and more telephone calls. The Ontario Legislature continued in person for most of the pandemic but with reduced numbers of MPPs in Legislature at any one time to ensure social distancing. On a personal level, there are many dear friends and family that I have been unable to see and I look forward to the future.

How do you like to spend your free time the most, do you have any hobbies? These days I spend most of my free time with my family, playing with my echildren or out on walks. When I am alone, I greatly enjoy reading.

This article is a part of the Local Journalism Initiative