Axel's Story
At Work
In the Community
In Politics
Meet the Family
Axel's Story
Axel immigrated to Canada at age 11 with his single mother. Like all new immigrants, both Axel and his mother understood that Canada provided the opportunity, and that they would have to roll up their sleeves and supply the hard work. Working several jobs at a time, Axel delivered for a drug store, cleaned drums at a brewery, ovens in a bakery. And the money went to put food on the table.
At the same time, Axel focused on getting the best possible education, graduating from high school with the top academic standing in the city of Toronto and then going on to graduate from the University of Toronto where he was awarded a Gold Medal for academic achievement in Engineering. He also received graduate scholarships from Caltech (California Institute of Technology) and the Canada Research Grant.
Axel and Darlene have been married for 28 years. Returning from foreign postings in Switzerland, Germany, and France, they settled in Etobicoke Centre in 1984 to begin their family. Their sons, Ted and Matt, have attended Etobicoke Centre high schools and are active in extra-curricular activities and community organizations.
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At Work
After working in senior executive and consulting positions with several of the world's leading companies in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Axel foresaw the arrival of the burgeoning new internet economy and decided to branch out on his own. Axel built two leading multi-million dollar marketing consultancy groups that helped pioneer the use of the internet and multimedia in the technology and health care industries. For these accomplishments, Axel was honoured with the IW Smith award from the University of Toronto. This entrepreneurial spirit and vision has given Axel a strong understanding of the obstacles and opportunities facing Canadian business in the global economy
Axel holds a Masters of Business Administration "With Distinction" from the Johnson School of Business at Cornell University, and an MBA from the Queen's School of Business at Queen's University.
Axel discussing the global economy
with business leaders in Shanghai, China.
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In the Community
Axel has been your neighbour in Etobicoke Centre for 24 years. He is a strong voice for neighbourhood issues and the environment, is an active participant on the Boards of community and charitable organizations, has founded and led ratepayer associations, and continues to rally community support for positive and constructive change in our communities.
Director - The George Hull Centre
The George Hull Centre is one of Ontario's leading children's mental health centres, serving children, youth, and families.
Axel and a team of youth supporting
The George Hull Centre during the annual Scotia Run.
Director - The Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC)
The CPLC is dedicated to increasing safety and security for the public by identifying community and policing concerns, and by maintaining a meaningful community/ Police partnership.
Past Director - The Gatehouse
Since opening its doors in 1998, The Gatehouse has served 7000 individuals impacted by child abuse. The Gatehouse offers programs and services which are not offered anywhere else to deal with investigation, trauma, and recovery of childhood sexual and physical abuse.
Past President -
Thorncrest Homes Association
One of Etobicoke's strongest ratepayer associations on community and municipal issues.
Past Director and Co-founder -
Martingrove Ratepayers' Association
Helped mobilize the community. Lobbied municipal and provincial government to stop rezoning and high-density development.
Past President and Environment Director -
Loon Call Lake Cottage Owners Association
Introduced innovative environmental programs and measures to help sustain the pristine natural environment.
Lobbyist and Past Mediation Committee Member - Georgian Bay Cottager Association
Mobilized the community. Lobbied municipal and provincial governments on land use and land rights issues. Intensive mediation among local special interest groups.
Director - Etobicoke Centre Conservative Association & Etobicoke Centre Ontario PC Association
Supporter: Toronto Sick Kids Hospital; Easter Seals; MADD; The Kidney Foundation; Heart & Stroke Foundation; The Arthritis Society; Dorothy Lea Hospice; Foster Parents Plan.
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In Politics
The struggles and rewards of raising a family and running businesses in Canada inspired Axel to consider public service. He felt he could contribute his life experience and business perspective to the political table that could make a real difference in our community and country.
A fiscally-responsible, socially-compassionate "urban" Conservative all his life, Axel was elected Vice President to the Etobicoke Centre Conservative Association in January 2005, and elected as a delegate to the Founding Convention of the Conservative Party of Canada in Montreal in March 2005, where our Party Platform was shaped.
Axel with Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.
On May 11th 2005 Axel won the nomination to represent the Conservative Party of Canada in Etobicoke Centre. In the January 2006 election, the Axel Kuhn Campaign received the second highest Conservative support rating of the 22 Toronto ridings.
Axel was reaffirmed by acclamation in January 2007 to again represent Etobicoke Centre as its Conservative candidate.
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Meet the Family
Darlene Kuhn
Darlene Kuhn is a graduate of Osgoode Law School. She is an "Etobioke Girl", having attended Bloorlea Middle School and Burnhamthorpe C.I.
She attended University of Toronto for her undergraduate degree, and also has a degree in public relations. She worked for charitable foundations, and the International Labour Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.
She has Polish, Ukrainian and German heritage, and speaks 4 languages.
A long term advocate on the issue of learning disabilities in the Toronto public school system, she most recently represented a group of concerned high school parents lobbying for quality education for high school students with learning disabilities.
Darlene spearheaded the creation of a breakfast program for elementary children in the disadvantaged Mabelle area of Etobicoke. The project brought together 3 wonderful and generous area Churches, Metro Housing, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success, the Daily Bread Food Bank, and a dedicated group of Canadian Somali women who rolled up their sleeves and carried the program forward.
Ted Kuhn
Ted is a freshman and Millenium Scholar at Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario, enrolled in the Richard Ivey School of Business. Ted is very active in youth politics, including past positions as an elected Student Trustee on the Toronto District School Board, and founding President of the Etobicoke Centre Young Conservatives Association.
Matt Kuhn
Matt is a grade 11 student at the MLA Academy, and enjoys graphic design, guitar, skiing, and video games. Matt has been an active volunteer for charities, neighbourhood organizations, and on the campaign trail.
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