Our world is facing a period of unprecedented challenges. Inequality is increasing virtually uncontrolled as a pandemic ravages communities across the globe. As some vulnerable groups finally gain the liberties they’ve fought so hard to win, regressive voices stand in our way perhaps more than ever. It’s my belief that this is a crucial time for our society—a period when we have the potential to enact genuine change that will positively impact all our lives. It might be hard sometimes, but it’s always worth doing.
I believe that, above all else, good governments should amplify the voices of their most vulnerable citizens, listening to their needs and granting them key priority. This means that government should actively work for everyone— not just big business, cultural elites, or the well-connected few. It means acknowledging that challenging inequity is an active process, and that passive or reactive approaches to governance aren’t adequate anymore. Above all, it means emphasising projects like infrastructure improvements, public transit enhancements, adaptations for accessibility, and—in St. John’s case—safer sidewalk clearing, because these are the ideas that make life better for people who need our help most.
I believe that, on many levels, we’re living in a society that’s dropping the ball for those people. Fixing that means many things, but I think they’re all worth doing. I believe we need to stop advancing harmful ideologies that advance inequality under the guise of “fiscal responsibility” or “caution”, and equally that fake progressive commitments to “change” won’t cut it anymore. I believe our approach to governance should be much more directly concerned with making true change happen, and that all our collaborations and projects—whether with the provincial or federal governments, with the private sector, or our own workers—should be directed by our commitment to equity and justice above all else.
I believe that we should root that commitment in evidence-based practise, even if—or especially when—that evidence challenges our biases and fears. Doing so will radically transform the way we govern, and the way our society looks. When we’re responding to peoples’ real needs with approaches proven to deliver positive results, we make good things happen. And I believe that’s good for all of us.