Background Questions
1) Do you live in Ward 15?
I was born and raised in Ward 15 (Dawlish & Bayview, Cheltenham), attending Blythwood P.S. I currently live 1 block west of the riding.
2) Have you previously run and/or been elected for municipal office (school board trustee or city councillor). Please provide details.
I ran for City Council 2 years ago in Eglinton-Lawrence, placing second.
3) Have you engaged in community and/or city building activities? Please provide examples.
I volunteered for Jaye Robinson in 2010. I’ve worked in the mental health advocacy space for over 10 years, with Jack.org and Capitalize for Kids, as both a volunteer and professional. I’m an active member of the Liberal Party, and have helped candidates and elected officials across the city. I supported Josh Matlow’s 2023 mayoral campaign, giving an endorsement, introducing him to community figures, and offering my home as a home centre.
4) Do you have any relationships with developers or labour unions who may have potential conflicts of interest with the City?
No.
Qualifications Questions
1) Why do you want to be the City Councillor for Don Valley West?
I was born and raised in Don Valley West. I love our community, but I’m worried about what I’m seeing in the city. I’m worried about the cost of housing, and the lack of affordable options that match the needs of our communities. I’m worried about traffic congestion, poor planning, and the decline of the TTC. Toronto is supposed to be a global city, but it’s harder to get around than ever before. I’m worried about encroachment on public spaces – from overcrowded parks, to dwindling green spaces, to closures of Toronto institutions like the Ontario Science Centre. I’m running in honour of my friend – who also grew up in Don Valley West – who lost his life in November 2020 to homelessness. Deaths like his should be preventable in a city like Toronto – one of the wealthiest on Earth. I love our community, but it’s time to get back on track. I have the experience – I’ve run for council, I’ve worked for two federal ministers, and I’ve dedicated my career to public service. I know our community – I’m a lifelong resident of Lawrence Park, I’ve gone to school here, and I’ve spoken to tens of thousands of residents from across the ward.
2) What experience and accomplishments do you bring that you think will make you a good representative for Ward 15?
During my previous council race, I successfully lobbied against a motion from my opponent that would have closed 3,000 shelter spaces without a plan to
rehome residents. As an advisor to the Minister, I helped protect the redside dace, which could prevent Doug Ford from building the 413. I’ve spent 10 years in advocacy – with Jack.org as a chapter leader, as a consultant with Capitalize for Kids, and as a young leader in the Liberal Party (both as a volunteer and a staffer). I’ve volunteered on political campaigns since 2003, including Jaye Robinson’s campaign in 2010.
3) What are the key 3-5 issues you see facing Ward 15 and the City?
1. Housing affordability: We are in a housing crisis. Rent for an average 1-bedroom apartment in Toronto is almost $2,500 per month. There aren’t nearly enough options for middle-class folks to raise their families in the city. We need to build the right types of housing in the right places if we want to build a healthy city where everyone who works hard can afford to live.
2. Infrastructure for healthy communities: Toronto’s vibrant and diverse culture is supported by our beautiful community spaces. As our city grows, we need to invest in capacity increases for our vital institutions and protect existing ones such as the Ontario Science Centre.
3. Commute times: I’m a strong advocate for public transit, but it’s not working right now. Wait times are long, schedules are unreliable, and stations are inaccessible for many of us. A robust TTC will reduce commute times for drivers and transit-users alike. We need to inspire confidence in the TTC to increase ridership, clear traffic, and get our city back on track.
4. Environment and climate change: When I was growing up, we were told that climate change was something our grandkids would have to face. Today, we’re seeing the effects of climate change first-hand in our city. We need to invest in infrastructure that will allow us to adapt to the new realities we face and build a beautiful city.
5. Accountability at city hall: After running a nearly $1-billion deficit during the pandemic, Toronto introduced a 9.5% property tax increase to cover the bill. Torontonians deserve to know that their tax dollars are being spent efficiently, and not on minor projects delivered inefficiently.
4) What is the first thing you will work on if elected?
The biggest short-term fight is saving the Ontario Science Centre. We don’t have much time – the Ford government has scrapped all of the exhibitions for parts, and they’re looking to tear it down. Toronto City Hall owns the land and leases it to the province – we do have the power to say no to Doug Ford. It will take a candidate with tenacity to push Mayor Chow on this issue and ensure that the OSC stays where it is.