Civic Engagement Event in Ontario

Civic engagement means making a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to facilitate that change. That translates to promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

On March 8, 2014 the community gathered at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Toronto for the very first Ismaili Civic Engagement Event focusing on Canadian politicians in public service and leadership.

The goals were to inspire and learn about ways in which to get involved and participate meaningfully in public service and leadership roles for our Jamat. A panel of distinguished and dynamic speakers from the Canadian federal political scene presented their views on youth engagement, political career paths and volunteering.

Keynote speakers included:

• Senator Mobina Jaffer from British Columbia, who has served as the vice-president of the federal Liberal Party  before being appointed to the Senate in 2001.
• The Honourable John Carmichael, who represents the district of Don Valley West as a member of the Conservative Party.
• The Honourable Rathika Sitsabaiesan, who represents the New Democratic Party in the ward of Scarborough—Rouge River. She is the first person of Tamil origin to be elected to federal parliament in Canada and the first female and first person of colour to be elected as a Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Rouge River.
• Alison Loat, the Co-founder and Executive Director of Samara (a charitable organization aimed at improving political participation in Canada), moderated the discussion.

In order to give back to the community and impact a wider population, the event showcased methods of involvement with public services. About 100 participants were in attendance, and the event was followed by an interactive question-and-answer period, where audience members were given an opportunity to directly address the panel of politicians. This event further coincided with International Women’s Day celebrations.

Messages of note offered by panelists included the importance of volunteering your time, even as a student, at your local MP office, and how early involvement can lead to future opportunities to get involved. The panel also spoke about the importance of being passionate for change and following an issue through from beginning to end. The panel shared their stories about their own path to politics and reasons for getting involved – sometimes personal, as a member of an immigrant family, and sometimes as a way to give back to society following a successful career. Engaging in the political world at different stages of one’s life and the opportunities for youth to get involved, were both topics on the docket. And perhaps most importantly, the esteemed group shared challenges that they had encountered in the field of politics as well as obstacles that needed to be hurdled along the way.

The event highlighted the positive difference that these individuals were making for their community and the impact that their passion and willingness to work for change could have to improve the lives of the broader community.  It was inspiring to see members of our own community who have taken on this challenge and many members of the audience came away with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to change.

Similar forums are slated for the future in order to educate and inspire our youth to become involved in the political scene and to spark change in Canadian society.