By Samuel Getachew

It has been four years since Margarett Best was chosen by the residents of Scarborough-Guildwood as their member of Provincial Parliament.

To visit her riding office is to be impressed with the many idealistic young people, mostly visible minorities, who are trying to contribute to the betterment of their community. With an expected leadership opening with the Ontario Liberals in mere years, she remains a visible candidate to replace her leader. Sway caught up with the super busy woman of many titles recently.

SG: Ms Best – You have been an MPP for the last four years. Looking back, what were some of your achievements?

Best: The service which I have provided to my constituents of Scarborough-Guildwood and the respectful relationships I have fostered with them. Equally important is my role in bringing to fruition the following important initiatives in Scarborough-Guildwood. Some of our achievements are the expansion and renovation in the East Scarborough Storefront facilities to serve youth: the entire facility was designed with input from youth ambassadors from Kingston-Galloway and Orton Park and the rehabilitation and expansion of The Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough among many notable achievments.

Most would agree Ontario is one of the more diverse provinces compared to others. Why do you think we have less diversity at Queens Park?

The Ontario Liberal Party is very diverse: from Ministers Office staff, our Constituency Offices, Interns and MPPs, we represent the spectrum of Ontario’s cultural communities: from across the African diaspora and beyond. This includes women and the LGBT community and individuals with varying abilities, we represent all of our constituents certainly.

There is more to do; thus it is important for us to continue our work as Liberals, to move this agenda forward. I am pleased with the range of Ontario Liberal candidates who are on board for our upcoming October 6th election date and as an African-Canadian, I certainly take pleasure in welcoming Mr. Michael Coteau, the Liberal Candidate in Don Valley East. There are also 40 women candidates on the ballot for the Liberals for the upcoming election.

There are many reasons that makes one join a political party. What is / are your reason(s)?

I identify strongly with the values of the Liberal Party of Ontario concerning families, education, jobs, maintaining a sustainable, modern and efficient health care system, access to services needed to achieve a better quality of life and respect for cultural diversity and Pierre Elliott Trudeau was one of my heroes.

What has surprised you most about politics?

Politics is in my DNA and I absolutely love the work that I do as a politician.

It has been seven years since the Liberals formed government in Ontario under the Hon Dalton McGuinty. Why does he deserve yet another chance to form the next Ontario government?

Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario Liberal party have worked diligently for Ontario since our first mandate in 2003, making tough decisions in tough times. We have made tremendous progress but certainly recognize that there is more to do.

Here are some of the results which show how Ontario as Canada’s most populous province is leading on many fronts: Ontario has the best-educated workforce in the world – 64 per cent of adults have completed postsecondary education, putting us ahead of all 34 OECD countries; The number of students in Grades 3 and 6 meeting the provincial standard is up 14 percentage points and graduation rates have risen from 68 to 79 per cent.  We have made room for 200,000 students in our colleges, universities and apprenticeship programs.  The recession took 257,000 jobs from us, however, we have regained 278,000.

Since 2003, we have invested $62 billion in infrastructure – more than the last two governments combined.

As a Minister, you have had many public achievements. What one achievement are you most proud of and why?

Investments in Amateur Sports and having “Sport” added to the name of the Ministry, which took effect in August 2010. The Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport’s Smoke Free Ontario Strategy and Smoke Free Ontario Act is one of the most comprehensive anti-smoking initiatives in North America and since the act was enacted, Ontario has seen the following results: the reduction of reduction of tobacco consumption by 32 per cent in 4 years; 4.6 billion fewer cigarettes smoked. the protection of children from smoking in vehicles, the banning of the display of tobacco products in stores and have a 95 per cent compliance rate, the restriction of the sale of cigarillos to packs of 20 and banned flavoured cigarillos, which target children and the building on the strategy with $5 million investment to prevent youth from smoking as we tackle contraband.

You have one of the most diverse ridings in Ontario. What are some of the leading issues?

Healthcare, youth and seniors issues, programs and services for immigrants and racialized communities are some of the major issues in Scarborough-Guildwood. The gains I mentioned previously with respect to programming in the riding with the East Scarborough Storefront, The Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough, Scarborough Women’s Centre and South Asian Family Support Services, Momiji Health Care Society and the Scarborough Village Community Centre are some of the resources available to address those issues.

We also have the issue of after-school initiative which is up and running at eight sites and to the benefit of 479 children across the riding, full day kindergarten in 21 schools as of September 2012 which is a respite to parents of 1,762 students benefitting from the program.

When it comes to seniors and healthcare, our government has made significant investments in the Scarborough Village Community Center. As of March 2011, at Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS), Centenary Site, 85 percent of emergency department (ED) patients were treated within the provincial targets of four hours for patients with minor/uncomplicated conditions and eight hours for patients with complex or serious conditions.

Since the province started measuring wait times in 2008, the RVHS Centenary Site has been able to reduce its ED wait times by 5.5 hours (40 percent), thanks in part to our government’s effort to reduce ED wait times.

Any parting words?

I am looking forward to continuing to serve my constituents for four more years under the leadership of the Premier, the Honourable Dalton McGuinty

By Samuel Getachew

At only 29 years old, Dionne Coley is a dream candidate by any standard. Young, talented, educated and ambitious, she was recently nominated as a candidate for the NDP in Etobioke – Lakeshore. Sway caught up with the lawyer and law professor turned aspiring politician recently.

SG: Dionne – Congratulations on your nomination – Why the NDP?

Coley: I am honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with men and women across Etobicoke-Lakeshore, the GTA and Ontario promoting change that puts people first. I believe that pursuing partnerships among individuals, community agencies and government to strengthen the tapestry of our interconnectivity is a MUST. The NDP has positively stood on the right side of history in standing for social justice. It is my pleasure to stand with the NDP to ensure working families and individuals for that matter are heard and have a voice at Queens Park.

You have an impressive background in law and public service. Please share with us your experience?

I am a licensed attorney in the State of New York and I anticipate being called to the Ontario Bar this September. I have experience in legal advocacy from working at a district attorney’s office, a criminal law firm and the appellate defender where I argued my first case in the appellate division. The best part of my law school years was spent mentoring youth in a diversion program from the criminal justice system.

My campaign run in the last municipal elections (2010) for Toronto District School Board Trustee displayed my true passion for education and the community. I am a professor of law and legal studies and currently in the process of writing two books geared towards helping students study the law. It is an absolute joy to mentor my students beyond the classroom. I also have experience in missions work as a humanitarian in South Africa. I continue to further my passion for missions as I am completing a Masters in Divinity in Bible College.

As a member of the Ontario Bar, you will soon join an exclusive club that lacks diversity as much as the lack of diversity that still exists in elected office in Ontario. Why do you think elected office and, for that matter, the legal profession are a great way to contribute to the betterment of our province and ultimately country?

Both elected office and working within a legal setting are privileges which require a consistently grounded view of one’s self. The time has come for change in which we can hear the voices of everyday Ontarians speaking, as opposed to career politicians. I enter this election knowing well in advance that it (the election) is NOT about me. It is about being a Voice For Change. It is about being a voice that everyday Ontarians can identify with. Whether it is serving constituents or clients within a legal setting, it is forever my objective to stay actively listening and actively engaged.

With a true love for litigation, I am eager to lead and argue the case for making life affordable for Ontarians. Is life more affordable for you whether you live in Toronto or Thunder Bay? The answer is No. How does the current government justify taxing hydro and home heating? There’s just no excuse. I want to work with businesses and individuals to get Ontario where it needs to be. We get there by rewarding job creators, putting a stop to the corporate tax giveaways and lowering small business taxes.

You are part of  the NDP team that is led by a woman, Andrea Horwath.  If she is successful, she will become the first woman Premier of Ontario. That would be rare. Is it important to take that in to consideration or are we, as a society, way passed that era?

Electing Andrea Horwath as the next premier of Ontario is the route to take to ensure a Tim Hudak government isn’t going to saddle the most vulnerable Ontarians with policies that are designed to falter. We have to remember the cuts that took place under a Conservative Harris government—a government that Mr. Hudak was a part of.

Who can forget Ontario’s more recent history with eight years of Liberal rule under Dalton McGuinty? Mr. McGuinty and the Liberal team campaign mirroring the NDP and govern like the Conservatives. Again, you’ve got to ask yourself—has life gotten any better for you over this time period? It probably hasn’t with the taxes you must now hand over to the government so you can keep the lights on and heat your home. Anyone choosing to vote for the Andrea Horwath NDP team should do so on the merit of Andrea, their local MPP Candidate, and the policies of the Party. It is a great day all across the world when women get involved in political life. We should definitely celebrate the accomplishments made by Andrea regardless of gender. However, it brings pleasure to me to see that women are taking on the responsibility of government and blazing a trail for young women across the world to discover.

What are some of your signature ideas you would hope to bring to the House if you indeed became an MPP?

During my 2010 campaign run for Toronto District School Board Trustee, I developed a platform that emphasized leadership, community empowerment, life skill approaches and mentorship which are the hallmark of my political journey.

As MPP, I plan to promote these educational initiatives as well as an equal access to educational resources approach with “no child being left behind”. The NDP is the Party that promotes this initiative and recognizes that there is a disparity in the allocation of these resources—a reality based on factors as trivial as the area you may happen to live in.

Any Parting Words?

The NDP represents Change that Puts People First. The simple truth is that our government has let us down – and continues to let us down. It’s time to use the frustration we are feeling as a motivating tool to make things happen for Ontarians in terms of affordability, education, health care and I plead, in terms of our government recognizing our worth as the hard-working tax payer instead of continuously leaving us behind in an agenda that serves “some” of us.

We presently have two levels of misguided right of centre ideological government – the people of Ontario need a New Democratic government to counter balance a Conservative agenda of one-size-fits all governance. We can do this, but ONLY as a collective movement! Join me in this Evolution of Change! I need you and look forward to making it happen.

My email is [email protected], my facebook is “Dionne Coley Vote NDP“ and our website is ELNDP.com.

I look forward to Seeing You on the Campaign Trail!

Break news and debate about the issues that matter in your community through the Speak Your Mind website, convened by thestar.com.

Speak Your Mind will be a forum for commentary, debate and conversation around the key topics driving the Fall provincial election.

Candidates will be assessed based on a mix of the following three criteria:

Your “reach”, meaning the size of the online network you can bring into conversation, will also be taken into consideration as well as the number of pieces you expect to produce, and how active you expect to be in the community.

Click here to apply. Connect with Speak Your Mind Canada on Facebook.

Tyrone Benskin

By Samuel Getachew

It has been mere months since the New Democratic Party scored its best electoral success under the leadership of the Hon. Jack Layton. The province of Quebec is where the NDP had its best result, winning 58 seats over the lone seat it held pre-election.

As the leader steps aside temporarily to fight a newly discovered cancer, Sway catches up with Tyrone Benskin, one of those NDP Quebec MP’s that benefited from the great historic efforts of the NDP as he reflects on his beloved leader and the controversial new temporary leader, Nycole Turmel.

SG: Congratulations on your great win. What has surprised you most about the position since you were elected?

Benskin: I don’t think I am so much surprised as excited. I think the biggest surprise, if any, was the feeling of awe stepping into the House of Commons for the first time and taking my seat. As far as the position itself, I am excited to already be working on some of the issues facing my constituents as well as the pride. I am energized by the passion they and the organizations they represent bring to the table in an effort to make their lives and their communities better.

Why the NDP?

I joined the NDP quite simply because I found that the values that make up the core of the NDP platform were really in line with my own – from a human perspective. Although it is a political party, the NDP still manages to focus on what is important to people and not simply for political gain. That was important to me as a candidate and it is important to me as a public servant.

You are the new critic of Canadian heritage for the NDP. What are some of the areas you would want to focus on and what changes will you be proposing?

The cultural portfolio is a sizable one. I think it is imperative that a government recognizes the importance of the cultural sector – of course economically, but more importantly its value to Canadians and the expression of their identity. As an artist, I am keenly aware of how difficult it is to function in an environment of uncertainty. As The Official Opposition Heritage Critic, I will make that importance clear to this government.

It is vital that there be a focus on stabilizing the sector with permanent investment in Canada’s extraordinary arts organizations, as well as a film and TV industry second to none. We need to build a reason for our talented artists and technicians to stay here in Canada and give them an opportunity to build home-grown careers. Also, tax averaging for artists is an issue that has been a long time on the agenda but little has happened. This is an important element to aiding and supporting our artists. The Conservatives need to stop undermining the efforts of Canada’s arts and cultural sector and start working with it.

Let us focus on your leader, the Hon. Jack Layton. I am sure you were shocked by his new battle like all Canadians. Tell us about Mr. Layton and the person and personality you have known over the years.

Jack Layton, like for so many of us, is a source of inspiration and leadership to me. I had the pleasure of meeting with Jack over the last eight or so years through the advocacy work I was doing. I have come to know him as a strong, passionate and dedicated individual and have every ounce of faith that he will not only beat this cancer, but will be back to lead us to the first ever NDP government in Canada.

Tell us about the new interim leader of the NDP Nycole Turmel and why you think she would be a great interim leader of the official party of Canada?

Nycole Turmel is a dynamic leader, and I’m looking forward to working with her. She is doing an excellent job helping our caucus prepare for the fall session. She was the unanimous choice by the caucus and federal council as she has played a leadership role in the party. Like Jack Layton when he became leader, Turmel has proven success leading a major pan-Canadian organization – she was the first woman to lead the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

She is ready to help the New Democrat team take on the Conservatives and get results on issues like pensions, health care and making life more affordable for Canadian families. I am confident the rest of Canada will soon discover what Quebecers have known for years – Nycole Turmel is a strong and dynamic leader.

Any parting words?

Thank you for the opportunity to share some of my thoughts with you and your readers. I am looking forward to hearing theirs.

By Samuel Getachew

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, describes Judith Van Veldhuysen, his candidate in St. Paul’s as a leader who is ”committed to making a positive difference in her community, listening to the needs of her neighbours and working hard on delivering sensible, long-term solutions”. Sway caught up with the first-time determined candidate as she was campaigning door-to-door in her posh riding in the heart of Toronto.

SG: Why the Green Party of Ontario?

Veldhuysen: I joined the Green Party because it’s the only party with a platform that fully aligns with my values – strong communities, real democracy and sustainable health.

Most identify the Green Party of Ontario exclusively with the environment. Why do you think that is and please share with us some of the policies of the Greens in Ontario?

The Green Party has always had a strong commitment to the environment. For this reason we are usually only covered in the media in terms of environmental issues. However, we believe the best way to create a brighter future for the generations to come is to focus on all issues.

The Green Party has a full and diverse platform with a holistic approach to governing. We believe that we must ensure we have sustainable economic social and environmental planning moving forward. Our platform is designed to be sustainable not just for an election cycle but for several generations. The Green Party has a clear plan for creating 21^st century jobs, harnessing affordable energy, promoting sustainable health, feeding our communities locally, and delivering a government that works for the people.

I am aware that you have just been promoted to a critical position for the party. Please share with us what it is and tell us what qualities and ideas you bring to the particular position?

Last week I was asked to join the Green Party’s shadow cabinet in the role of Women’s Issues critic.  The role requires that I help to develop and disseminate the party’s policy positions on issues affecting women.

Women of all ages and backgrounds are facing hardships, and there are some major disparities that I would like to see corrected – issues of poverty, access to adequate health care, affordable housing and child care to name a few.  I’d like to see a fundamental change in the way we care for our children and participate in our communities. Overall we need better support systems for women, led by women. And the best way to start is by becoming more politically involved. We need more female representation at Queen’s Park so that our voices can be heard.

Tell us about the leader of the party, Mike Schreiner, and why you believe he is the best person to be Premier?

Mike Schreiner is the most honest politician I’ve ever met, and he’s the reason why I joined the Green Party.  His sincerity and genuine concern for Ontarians is exactly what the province needs.

Mike Schreiner is the best person for the job of Premier because he’s willing to roll up his sleeves and do the heavy lifting.  He’s already met with thousands of residents across the province so he could hear first hand what issues are most affecting our communities.  Mike Schreiner’s willingness to go the extra distance is exactly what this province needs.

Most find the Green Party movement lacking diversity and I am aware that this is changing with great citizens such as yourself and even with the Deputy Leader of the National Green Party, Georges Larques. Share with us your experience.

I would argue that all of the parties are still quite lacking in diversity.  One of the comments I heard after the federal debates was: “it was just 3 old guys talking for an hour”. And this reminded me again of how most people don’t see themselves reflected in our MPs and MPPs.  After hearing this, I was more reassured than ever before that I am doing the right thing by running for office.  I need to prove that there is a place for female minorities in the political arena – it’s not just an old boys club.  Canada has an incredibly diverse population, one that I’m proud to be a part of, and we need to have more culture and gender diversity at Queen’s Park.

When I introduce myself as a candidate for the Green Party of Ontario most people are pleasantly surprised.  They feel encouraged to see a young female representing their community.  I’ve been met with tremendous support and words of encouragement.  I think the province of Ontario, and especially the residents of St. Paul’s are ready for a change, and I’m just the change they’re looking for.

If you were to be an MPP after the October election – what are some of the signature issues you are hoping to bring to Queen’s Park?

High on my list of priorities is health promotion, child care reform and conservation.  We have to start thinking outside of the box in order to find long term solutions to these issues. Building strong communities, humanizing poverty, and improving transit, will go a long way towards elevating the living standards of all voters.

Any parting words?

My goal is to bring the Green Party’s message to as many people as possible.  I’m committed to changing the way people traditionally view politics.  Everyone needs to play an active role in shaping our futures. So why not start today?

Fred Sherman

By Samuel Getachew

In the first of our series on African Canadian candidates in the coming Ontario election, Sway profiles Founding Partner of The SEM Group www.SEMgroup.ca Fred Sherman.

The newly elected Progressive Conservative MPP candidate in Ottawa Vanier might not be a household name yet, but he has had a distinguished career in public service for a very long time.

Congratulations Mr. Sherman on being a candidate in the upcoming provincial election. Why the Progressive Conservative Party?

The history books tell us that the PC Party has in fact been responsible for almost all major social advances in Ontario — the creation of the Ontario Hospital Insurance Program (OHIP), old age pensions, the first labour code, the first anti-discrimination and women’s rights legislation; and the vast expansion of hospitals, schools and highways.

Today’s PC Party has done an incredible job of engaging hard-working and hard-pressed folks in diverse communities across Ontario; including tens of thousands who told us in fifteen different languages through our on-line survey at www.haveyoursayontario.ca, that they are struggling to keep up and despite all they pay in tax, government just is not working for them any longer.

As a business person, a community steward, a husband and father of a 5-year old son, I know firsthand what they are talking about. Our PC plan to bring relief [changebook.ca] reflects their earnest concerns. It is a solid plan that offers folks the relief they so desperately need. It puts more money back into the pockets of hard-working families, guarantees services like health care and education, and cleans up government through accountability and innovation.

Tell us about your journey so far in the community that has propelled you to be a candidate for office?

Very early on, my mother, a teacher, and my father, an economist, reinforced within me the virtues of caring and community ethic. I am also guided by sage words from my paternal grandfather, also an educator, who admonished, “…if you’re going to do something, do your best… or don’t do it at all.” Those values yet drive my passion for community, whether through service on boards such as Leadership Ottawa, United Way Community Capacity-building, or via mass-media contributions as editor-in-chief of Planet Africa Magazine and Producer of Nexus Africa Radio.

But my fondest reflections are drawn from my time with children and youth, including coaching and mentoring young boys in the community in a local basketball league – imparting those values of integrity, respect and teamwork towards shared goals. For what it’s worth, it engendered two league championships in four years. That always brings a smile to my face.

Tell us about the riding of Ottawa Vanier. The riding has been described as Liberal heaven by almost everyone. What is the possibility of making it blue this time around?

Ottawa-Vanier is a diverse socio-economic-multicultural microcosm of Canada – a community I have called home for the past 25 years; and a place undergoing much change over that same period. The greater Ottawa area is home to over 40,000 people of African-Descent – the largest visible minority population – many of whom reside in Ottawa-Vanier.  In door-to-door conversations, they also tell me they work hard, play by the rules, support their community, and simply ask for their fair share of the Canadian ideal – access to meaningful jobs, opportunities and services.

You have often mentioned people like former MP Jean Augustine and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as great public servants. What do these great women mean to you and why do you think the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario is the right route to take for important issues like equality for women.

It is no secret that I am proud of Dr. Jean Augustine, the first black woman ever elected to Federal Parliament, and former Minister of Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, for her invaluable contributions to Canadian society as a whole.  She and I share the belief that Canada is strengthened by the full participation of all of its citizens in every aspect of social, economic and political life. My Liberian heritage is burnished watching President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first elected female Head of State in Africa, lead the charge in ushering a new era of democracy building, opportunity and gender equality in Liberia, which bodes well for the greater West African sub-region. Over the years, the Ontario PC Party introduced and passed some of the most progressive labour and social legislation in Canadian history, including the provision of equal pay for women. .

What are some of the policies of the PC Party of Ontario that you believe would be beneficial for the African Canadian population of Ontario.

Statistics reveal that people of African descent remain systemically locked at the bottom of nearly all key socio-economic indicators – a chasm framed by issues of systemic poverty, single-parent pressures, youth disillusionment and general lack of opportunity.  High taxes, including skyrocketing hydro bills, yield an inordinate impact on, especially, fixed-income folks. An important piece, for me, is to ensure those voices are also represented at key decision-making tables. Some of our proposals are to provide immediate tax relief to hard working and pressed families, to reduce the barriers of the many foreign and qualified individuals, and make universities affordable to those that are under the age of 25 in our communities. Last but not least,  a PC government will understand that we need to help our neediest rebuild their lives, develop useful skills and get a full-time job. As such, we will allow Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients who work part time to keep more of their benefits and ease their transition from welfare to a job

Any parting words?

The facts are clear. After decades of stagnation on important socio-economic issues, new and conscious collaborative approaches are needed to incite new momentum.  Having worked on the ground for so many years, I understand those systemic needs and challenges, and am passionate about being a part of the solution.  For me, it means expanding beyond the vicissitudes of confrontation which sometimes limits our real influence at the core policy-making tables. It means working to improve the lives of my core constituents in Ottawa-Vanier; and bringing the voice of a greater constituency to Queen’s Park – and deliver results through the 6th largest economy in North America.

Ike Awgu

By Samuel Getachew

At 19, Ike Awgu was a candidate for the office of Mayor of Ottawa. Though he eventually lost the election, his respectful showing on election day made a passionate impression to countless of people.

Not yet 30 today, the Carleton University alum reflects with Sway on his long journey in public life, his law career and tells us what concerns him most these days.

SG:  In 2003, you were a candidate for mayor (of Ottawa). Former Ottawa Mayor Chiarelli described you as someone who is “very, very bright, articulate young man, and with a bright future ahead of him.” What have you been up to since?

Awgu: Since the election, I’ve become a lawyer practicing in Ottawa and Toronto, primarily in civil litigation. I’ve also been fortunate enough to host a television show on CPAC (the Canadian Political Channel) and be an editorial columnist with the Ottawa Sun and the Globe and Mail. The experience was a great introduction to the political world and its players, albeit at a municipal level. Looking back, I think the most significant thing the experience did for me was make me comfortable meeting strangers, knocking on doors and understanding the concerns of people far removed from my own personal experience.

You are now a successful lawyer, a profession that has been described “very exclusive”. Why LLB?

Awgu: I always had a passion for debate and dialogue and law seemed a career that suited best my aptitudes. Also, since I wasn’t going to be a doctor or get a PhD, it was the only other profession I was permitted to enter, according to my parents. A law degree is great because of its versatility. Many lawyers don’t practice law; they teach, work in business, or do anything else they set their minds on. The degree acts almost as a kind of promise that the person whose earned it is probably bright, and therefore attractive to employers outside the legal realm in any endeavor requiring brains and hard work.

You were a recent candidate for City Council in Ottawa. Would you still consider being a candidate?

Awgu: Not sure I’d be a member of any club that would have me. Still, who knows what the future holds. Right now I’m most concerned with contributing the public conversation when it comes to issues I’m passionate about such as education or the success of our youth.

Any parting words?

Awgu: Pressure and Time are two of the most powerful forces in the Universe; they can upturn entire civilizations, cut pathways through mountains and even change the shape of planets. In most of our lives, the most difficult kind of pressure we face will be the pressure to conform; the pressure to be like everyone else.

When you’re young, it whispers to you that you should wear the ‘right’ jeans to blend in with the other teenagers. When you get older it screams that you should ‘go to university’ because everyone else is. When you’re still older, it shouts that you should be ‘married’, or ‘starting a family’ or ‘buying a home’.

For many people, perhaps most even, this pressure is a kind of favor to them; helping them avoid pitfalls they would otherwise tumble towards. For others though, it will make what could have been unique and great lives mediocre and common. ”

Most people who have ever done anything special with their lives had to ignore people around them telling them to blend in. You might succeed, you might fail, nothing is guaranteed in life. But if you’re the person I’m speaking to, the person to whom this final paragraph appears is speaking, you’ll never forgive yourself for not trying and you’ll always wonder what could have been…right up until your end. And there are no do-overs. To die without achieving all of your dreams is not tragedy; to die never having chased any of your dreams is.

My parting advice: follow your heart, not the crowd.

Pastor Wendell Brereton

By Samuel Getachew

In announcing his short-lived Toronto mayoralty campaign, Trinidad born Pastor Wendell Brereton spoke passionately about  his vision for prosperity that included “a strong city that not only attracts foreign investment, but ensures that these corporations hire our citizens. We must create a priority status for our residents when it comes to jobs.”

The outspoken young leader of many titles, including father of five young children, spoke to Sway about crime, youth issues and how to balance his many responsibilities while contributing to the fabric of a great city.

You are a person of many distinct titles, including former police officer, pastor, political leader and above all father of five. How do you balance all these?

The balance of leadership in the community and leadership at home is a delicate one for many leaders, and I am not immune to the strain. The most important job and the most difficult is parenting. It is the one job that you are never given training for and there is no set job description. You are both boss and employee. My children are my legacy and, therefore, they are the repository of my greatest investment. I believe that all of my leadership skills have derived from that job. I am their coach, their cheerleader, their teacher, their friend, their example, and they need most of all consistency and honesty from me about my strengths and my weaknesses. They are always evaluating my sincerity and using me as their example for what they want out of life and even what they do not want.

As the Pastor of a church, I have the privilege of holding the most sacred office that a man can have. This office of clergy reaches across racial boundaries, reaches past generational and gender specificity. It meets people at their lowest point and builds them back utilizing the building blocks of self-esteem and purpose. It advocates with a shout when their voice is a whisper. It is courageous to defy the pop culture of non-traditional popular opinion. It loves even when it is despised and smiles even when it is smitten. It carries the honour of President or Prime Minister and for most of us the pay cheque of slave. Yet as clergy, we stand as a cornerstone of our communities and those communities stand upon our shoulders as we stand upon God’s word. It is the only office that ministers to the immaterial soul of man, the most precious human possession. It is the reason that I do all things with a sense of excellence, temperance and passion. It is the compass of my life ship, hence my balancing force.

The issue of crime, especially among our youth, must concern you. How can we  end this in our communities?

Crime in general is a concern to me, yet I do not see the youth of the black community as the demographic of crime. I see them as vibrant, talented and powerful. What I do see is a lack of institutional mechanisms that allow those same youth to achieve at the highest levels. Economic limitations are the antecedent to many of the issues of our young people. The institutional barriers that fail to assist the parents of those children to live at a standard of life that allows them to pass on wealth to those children is the chief culprit and the criminal footprint that socio-economic investigators fail to identify. In my bid for mayor, I made a remark on the debate floor aimed squarely at our sitting Mayor. Mayor Ford, at the time Councillor Ford, was establishing what he has done historically in the black community especially in the areas of sports. This is a commendable accomplishment of the Mayor while he was a councillor in the recreational life of these kids, but my comment spoke to this misdiagnosis of the plight of the urban youth.

“Stop building basketball courts for the black community, if you want to give my kids something give them a bank,” I said. My sentence, although said in jest, truly identifies my personal issue with the status-quo regardless of their philanthropic attitudes towards the black community. The lack of finances in the households of our youth is the debilitating issue. Poor parents in any community will be the ones that are at risk with youth who explore criminal behaviour. Where are our strong upper middle class black communities in this country and in this city? Where are the black financial institutions, corporations, landowners, professionals or even politicians that will insist our constituency has the wealth to ensure the career paths of youth? In the black community, poverty is as hereditary as Sickle Cell. We see some leaders among black Canadians rising to the forefront now, my hope is that they band together in the indigenous fashion of their pre-slave ancestors and build the village of the black community. When we do this, the fashionable topic of our community will no longer be “youth crime or gun violence.”

The simple truth is that African Canadians of all diasporas do not control any major financial institution. Neither do we control government policy, nor are we even able to utilize nepotism in the public sector to get our children elected to office or appointed to positions of civic or national control. What do we tell our children? Work hard, go to school and you will get a good job. Yet we can rarely pay for their education or model the great employment we enjoy due to our own hard work. That is the real crime in our community.

You were a recent mayoral candidate and then a City Council candidate. As an emerging political and religious leader, were you disappointed with the political participation of the black community?

In my bid to be an elected official of the City of Toronto I realized very quickly that it was not the black community that did not support blacks running for public office. I realized it was the media that did not support minorities running for public office. Most blacks are very conscientious about politics when they identify how a specific candidate can affect their life. The post Obama era has definitely flipped the political switch of our community worldwide. Africa right now is alive with political revolution. However, in 2010, in Toronto municipal politics, there was a media “blackout” if you will. The grass-roots black media spoke for us, the mainstream media ignored us. Black columnists from mainstream newspapers called me on the phone yet they never wrote about me. Black candidates never got the coverage until the public outcry forced the media to mention some of us in passing.  It has gotten to the point where the historical black politician has had to down play his conscientiousness to his community and pander to an Anglo-Canadian audience just to be taken seriously.  Therefore, I am not disappointed whatsoever with my community. My community cannot vote on candidates they never hear about. Again, the lack of black institutions is the cause. There is no mainstream black media. “Flow 93.5FM” was the mainstream voice that was most recognized by our community yet even this station was extremely silent about 2010 elections and the candidates of colour.  Also in the black community, we still do not understand the power of living in the same ward. We are spread out all over the city so that there really is not a strong black vote in any one ward. Changing the planning of our communities drastically changes the voting. Strategically planned middle- and upper-middle-class communities of blacks will cause civic awareness and involvement to change.

When you withdrew from the mayoralty race to endorse Rob Ford for Mayor, the media kept referring to you as an extremist. How did you feel about that?

Once my endorsement of Rob Ford ignited his campaign in the eyes of the media, the media came to attack him not discredit me. My endorsement of Mr. Ford was the catalyst to eight weeks of front-page covers, radio shows, blogs and water cooler conversation. The Judeo-Christian outlook is not a position of extreme ideology. The evangelical opinions of the traditional family are widely known and accepted in Canada. Calling me an extremist was more of an attempt to derail Rob Ford than to assassinate my character. The media showed up when I withdrew, that is the tale of the tape. The liberal media did not care when I was in the race. They did not consider me to be an extremist while I was a candidate; they did not care what was on my website then.  Yet it cared a great deal when I picked the proverbial dark horse and exited the race. The full might of the status quo descended on us. Our small flock and the affiliate churches that support me were attacked on every side. Even C.R.A took their turn attempting to audit the churches that are in our affiliation. Showing clearly that the government and the status quo considers it objectionable that the black community and especially the fundamental Christian church attempted to be a voice for change.

Individuals who attended our churches had to defend themselves to co-workers and the iron doors of opportunity started to slam shut all around us due to my endorsement of this current m,ayor. We certainly paid a cost but the cost was not guilt of conscious, nor the abandoning of our beliefs. Mr. Ford was not the front-runner when I endorsed him, Mr. Smitherman was. Mr. Ford was considered to be the extremist and my endorsement of him I believe woke up the church, the black community, and all ethnic communities alike to our ability to affect local politics. It demonstrated that even if we cannot be the winner we could at least pick the winner.

You have been described as a role model by many. How important is mentorship in the community?

I humbly say to those who consider me a role model, thank you for the vote of confidence in my character and my efforts to help all peoples in Toronto. Mentorship is extremely important. Nevertheless, my definition of mentorship is unique. How can you mentor a hungry child? Do you speak to him and encourage him first or do you feed him? I am certain you will agree that a child needs to be fed before he can learn. The black community is that hungry child who is starving in the economic and political cold shoulder of our city and country. I want to mentor a generation by putting the tools in their hands for prosperity and wealth. I want to stop telling them half-truths about the power of education, if they are only going to leave school and work for minimum wage. How can I coax the gun out of their hand if all I am putting in their hand is a welfare cheque, a $500 scholarship or a handshake?

My mentorship must not just give them information and perspective, but also open doors that they alone could not open. However, how do I open those doors for them if they are slammed shut for me? How do I tell them not to be upset when I too wish to kick down the doors that have kept us from sitting at the head table? How do I tell them to stand tall if the glass ceiling in the corporate world for most of us only allows us to kneel and bow? I do want to mentor a nation of men, women and children to be all they can be.  I want to collaborate with businesspersons, politicians and professionals from every occupation every ethnicity in Toronto, Canada, and the world that can expose the racialized and marginalized men and women from every class or culture to the marketplace. The status quo will attempt to water down my words and point to the few of us who have made it and say, “it is not so. Rev. Brereton is painting a dark picture.” Be not fooled, my picture speaks to the history and the reality of the many and the expectation of this current generation who awaits the interest payments and dividends on 40 acres and a mule and a western “promised land” flowing with milk honey and money.

Any parting words?

In closing I leave you with this at the Glorious Church we teach a message of spiritual and social empowerment. Every person has the right to live a life that maximizes his or her potential. The secret of how to do it is by utilizing the synergistic power of unity. In the unifying of our weaknesses, we arrive at greatness. In the presence of our greatness, there is great prosperity and joy. Ancient men built great structures, modern man builds great systems, but a man looking to build a great future must build great relationships. Lets us all build together.

"Finally, Kenya is calling me. My crystal ball tells me the time is right. My son did not die for me not to try to change Kenya one more time!" -- Flora Terah

By Flora Terah

I was born on the slopes of Mount Kenya in the East Province of Kenya right after our independence from colonial rule. I am the seventh of nine children from a very conservative middle class family. Throughout my life, I have been witness to so much gender disparity, from my own family and from the educational institutions that I attended.

Now in my adopted country of Canada, as I learn about the great history of our past, especially of The Famous Five and their historic struggle in 1929 trying to find the definition of the word “persons” (in section 24 of the British North America Act of 1867), I look with amazement as Kenyans are still asking that very same question.

Asking that question, once asked by these heroes, cost me the life of my beloved son.

My journey of activism began after giving birth to my son at a local hospital where up to four women shared a single bed in the maternity ward. Women who arrived at the hospital without their own supply of anaesthesia were stitched up without any medication. Hundreds of new mothers unable to pay fees were detained in health care facilities. I was among those women. From then on I swore to address women’s oppression.

I witnessed politicians pilfering money earmarked for hospitals, and unpaid staffers extorting patients and stealing supplies for use at private health facilities. By the time President Kibaki was elected in 2002, on a platform of reform, most public hospitals were little more than shells sheltering demoralized and bitter employees.

Soon after a progressive woman politician, Charity Ngilu, was appointed as the minister for health, the first order of business was to push a bill through to waive maternity fees for women unable to pay. Yet more than 20 million Kenyan women share a total of two mammograms and most deliver their babies on the floor.

The country’s health facilities are in shambles and political will to reform the health sector is faltering. Many backward policies that target women are still the norm in many parts of the country. For example, until a referendum changed the laws last year, female genital mutilation, polygamy, child marriage, wife sharing, widow cleansing and women forbidden from inheriting and/or owning land was legal.

The new charter at least got women out of hell and heading to Canaan. We have to continue to break the walls of discrimination and penetrate all spheres of leadership if we are to see continued change. With our sheer numbers alone, no mountain is too high to climb if we join hands.

In spite of living through these horrible conditions, I managed to emerge as a spokesperson and community worker, educating on HIV/AIDS, talking to both men and women about sex and sexuality and the use of condoms. But it wasn’t until I got into active political participation that I truly knew that I had to speak out on laws that governed my country.

In 2005, I became an emerging voice on gender and governance issues when I was recruited to train for a United Nations funded program for women. The government that had been elected on a platform of reforms and zero tolerance of corruption had disappointed many Kenyans. And as women, my friends and I felt like we needed to take matters into our own hands.

As women, we had strength in numbers. But we needed to be strategic if we were to win elections both at local and national levels. After a year, I was asked to run in the 2007 election against a powerful incumbent who got caught up in a corruption scandal and was forced to step down. The whistleblower fled for his life. That year, 200 women ran for office and I became a leading candidate for a seat in Parliament in a constituency that had never had a woman as a representative. A feeling of excitement and change was everywhere. As polls about our growing power started to emerge, I was abducted and tortured, my hair ripped from my head and mixed with human waste before it was forced down my throat; my leg was broken, my neck dislodged; I was left for dead. In the hospital for weeks, I was no longer able to campaign. I lost the race.

Six months later, my only child was murdered. And justice seemed far away. To recover, I took comfort in words and wrote a book They Never Killed My Spirit But They Murdered My Only Child was written at a time when the world had shut its doors to happiness, love, peace, joy and laughter. I was going through the most difficult moment ever in life.

After I left Kenya, new elections gave way to more women parliamentarians. A new constitution now includes for all gender representation in the socio-economic and political arena; women are finally on a more level playing field. Just a few months ago parliament vetted eight incredible, intelligent and non- corrupt young Kenyans to head the judicial commission under a new constitution. Soon Kenya will have a new chief justice and a new attorney general and all judges will be vetted for competence and probity.

For the first time, before my eyes, even from afar, from the comfort of my Toronto apartment, the role of women is beginning to be recognized and the rule of progressive law respected. That is why in a few months, I will pack my suitcases and go back to Kenya. As a candidate, I was beaten; as a citizen, my son was killed. What they have not taken is my willingness to see what I have learned, observed and loved while in Canada, now reflected in a new Kenya that I want to be a part of.

Finally, Kenya is calling me. I have to go and serve my people. My crystal ball tells me the time is right for me. My son did not die for me not to try to change Kenya one more time!

In 1990, Zanana Akande made history by becoming the first black woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the first to serve as a cabinet minister in Canada. With the backdrop of Barack Obama’s historic election south of the border, Akande reminisces with Sway about breaking through Canada’s political glass ceiling.

Election day was on the first day of school. I remember because I was a school principal and was supposed to be there. Frankly, I didn’t expect to win, but I was interested in running to encourage the constituents around to be more cognizant of the issues from a different perspective. We benefitted from the fact that the Liberals and Conservatives existed in disfavour. I really believe that in Canada, governments are voted out, not voted in.

Being the first was an issue that people made a great deal about — I didn’t. The reality was that there were many black women before me that were quite capable of being in government and I feel that if there were more of us there, the attacks on me would’ve been somewhat lessened.

The thing about being first is that there are some people that take exception to you being there: from the other parties and your own. Some of the people in and outside of the government begin to evaluate you from a standard of their expectations — where you live, what schools your children attend, even the car you drive. It indicates more of what they expect of you. I guess they expected a black woman to live at a certain level and it was really tacky. I was labelled as “one of the richest women in government,” which was ridiculous.

But it wouldn’t have been bad if it were just verbal attacks. What was disappointing was that the attention to the things that our government was doing was not as focused as the trivia.

After the (post-Rodney King) Yonge Street riots, we developed the Jobs Ontario Youth program. I was disappointed that we had to bring the legislation for employment equity, but I was excited when they passed it. We also made some tremendous advancement in the school curriculum and made strides with long-term care so that lower-income older people could at least be assured that there were some services for them. It was very hard watching these things be rescinded under succeeding Ontario premier Mike Harris.

But I never intended to stay in government for a long time. I really enjoyed my various roles in education and I felt that after I served and effected those changes I was particularly interested in, I would go back.

Watching Obama win was very exciting and almost unbelievable. I remember seeing Martin Luther King speak at the synagogue on Bathurst, and I’m old enough to remember how things were. I think for black Canadians, this has been a wakeup call that we can collectively create that kind of environment where politicians really have to vie for our support and talk about what our issues are.

As told to Andrew Chin