By Samuel Getachew

Just a week before Christmas, Reverend Don Meredith received the call of a life time. The Prime Minister of Canada called to offer him the position of Senator. In nominating him for the position, he had described him and (another new appointee from Quebec) publicly as: “a well-regarded and visible figure in his community who will bring a wealth of experience in business, philanthropy, sport and community initiatives to his new role.” The 47-year-old Pastor of the Pentecostal Praise Centre in Richmond Hill called it a “gift from the Lord.” The Reverend becomes the fourth black to ever serve as a Senator.

Senator, it has been a long time since senator Anne Cools was summoned to the Senate by Governor General Edward Schreyer as the first black Senator in the history of Canada. What was it like to get a call from the Prime Minister to also serve as a senator?

It was an honour to get this call. I feel that our country is changing and we need to recognize that it is important to have a voice at every level. I was surprised and delighted by the call. Truly and unexpected acclaim.

The Senate is a rare place for diversity. In fact, besides Senator Anne Cools, Senator Donald Oliver and the late Senator Calvin Ruck – you are the fourth Black to ever join the Senate. How does it feel to be part of a great milestone and what responsibility will you carry forward?

You have been an effective advocate of crime victims both as a citizen and as a reverend. How do you plan to use your title and office to push this agenda forward?

I will work to support individuals who are at risk and marginalized. I will continue work and advocate for victims and those who commit crimes. I believe that my passions for helping and finding solutions to end gun violence is one of the reasons why I was appointed to the Senate. I will continue to speak out against all types of violence, youth violence and negative behaviour that so many of our youth are drawn to. I will use my office as a platform from which to create a national strategy from coast to coast to deal with this cancer that is plaguing our urban centres across this great country.

You have been a candidate for office in the past in Toronto Centre. For those wanting to play a role in elected office, what advice do you have?

It is important to get involved in politics and as Malcolm X said, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” I would encourage and support anyone who wants to take up political office, especially our youth. It doesn’t matter if the odds are against you or if the race seems impossible; you should still run because you grow and learn from every race you run. I will be using my office to engage Blacks across this country to seek office, so their voices can be heard. We are grossly under-represented in this country at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government. It is time that our community stops complaining and folding their hands and saying what can I do. There is a lot that the almighty God wants us to do. We have to be a willing vessel to bring about the change we need in the chambers of power.

You are widely known as a youth advocate in Toronto. What advice and wisdom do you have for young people? Education is power. We were once denied the opportunity to read and be educated; so go to school, stay in school and decide on a future and make use of the opportunities you are given. I would tell young people that your situation may not always be perfect and sometimes you don’t have people you can count on, but remember that you are the most important person in the world and you need to make a difference.

You are the very first Jamaican Canadian to ever become a Senator. You join the ranks of high profile Jamaican Canadians, including the likes of Lincoln Alexander, Margarett Best and Donovan Bailey. How was your success received within the Jamaican Canadian community and what does it mean for the community?

Any lasting words?

As a man of faith I want to leave your readers with this scripture: “And we know that all things work together for good to them who Love God, to those who are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 I thank God what He has done in my life and the blessings that he has bestowed on my family and I. Be true to yourself, be honest, live upright and God will promote you to great heights. I am proud to be a Canadian. I am proud to be Jamaican. I am proud to be black. And I am proud to be your senator.

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