Trent Alumni Shine in Ontario Election   

MPP Dave Smith '91 (Lady Eaton College) faces fellow Trent alumni to win third term for Peterborough-Kawartha; Tyler Watt '08 (Gzowski College) triumphs in Nepean 

March 4, 2023

Trent University alumni played a pivotal role in the recent Ontario election, showcasing the diverse talents and leadership of graduates. 

Longtime MPP Dave Smith ’91 (Lady Eaton College) won in Peterborough-Kawartha, after facing several fellow Trent graduates including NDP candidate Jen Deck '92 (Peter Robinson College), Liberal candidate Adam Hopkins '03 (Otonabee College), and Green Party candidate Lucas Graham ’16 (Gzowski College). 

The candidates, representing a range of educational backgrounds, demonstrate Trent’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Smith, who holds a B.Sc. in Computing Systems, went up against Deck, who majored in Biology and Gender & Women’s Studies; Hopkins, who studied Indigenous Studies before becoming the director of Trent’s First Peoples House of Learning; and Graham, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. 

Another notable victory came from Liberal candidate Tyler Watt ’08 (Gzowski College), who captured the Nepean riding by defeating longtime Conservative MPP Lisa MacLeod.  Watt, a Bachelor of Science graduate, is now a registered nurse.  

“We are proud of the many Trent alumni who ran for office in this election,” says Naomi Handley, Director of Alumni Engagement & Services at Trent University. “Their diverse educational backgrounds reflect the strength of Trent’s interdisciplinary approach, which provides a solid foundation and a strong sense of community. This election is a testament to the exceptional leadership and dedication of our graduates.”  

This victory marks Smith’s third term as Conservative MPP leader, having first been elected in 2018 when he defeated former Liberal MPP and current Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal '74 (Champlain College).