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FIRST DEAF PERSON AS ONTARIO LIBERAL PARTY DELEGATE
I am proud to share my personal story and richly rewarding experience with you. Allow me to tell you more. As you know, Dalton McGuinty announced in his caucus meeting that he would be stepping down as Ontario's premier. Several candidates were seeking to run for Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) leader. I learned that Kathleen would announce that she was one of the candidates. We attended Kathleen’s official announcement and launch of her campaign on November 5th 2013.
My wife Kelly and I discussed this, and we decided to volunteer to be involved with Kathleen’s team and her campaign to run for Ontario Liberal leader. The reason being, we felt she would be the right person for our next Liberal leader and next premier. I have known her very well since 2005. She always made time for me; first when I was OAD president, and now as executive director. She had her duties with several cabinets such as Education, Transportation, Aboriginal Affairs and more… PLUS she knows a lot about the Deaf community and Deaf leaders Gary Malkowski, Chris Kenopic, Heather Gibson, Kristin Snoddon and more. I felt it would be a good chance to work with her for me personally, as OAD executive director, as part of the Deaf community, and diversity organizations.
We contacted Kathleen’s campaign staff. We learned there were a lot of things to do. We needed to be members of the Liberal party first. (I already was a member of the Liberals for several years) Then we needed to fundraise for Kathleen’s campaign. We could also be delegates for Kathleen. There were a lot of new challenges for us. First, I made a movie using my signing in a Vlog on my Facebook page and on line. We emailed many friends and families to encourage them to become Ontario Liberals. Second, we hosted an event at our home and invited about 20 people. We provided appetizers, refreshments, and drinks. Kathleen spoke to our group via live stream in our home. We made more than $900.00 for her campaign fund. Third, it was important for us to become delegates for Kathleen. We were not sure how? OLP explained to us that we needed to contact all OLP members in our riding area (Etobicoke Lakeshore) to vote for us as delegates. I was thinking “oh my God!” because the members did not know who I am and I never attend the members’ meeting. I just tried my best. OLP staff gave us the list of 400 members in our riding. There were about 250 emails addresses on the list. I emailed each person to introduce myself and explain why I was interested in being a delegate. Some members responded and said they would vote for me.
Before the last debate, we went to the bar with Kathleen’s members and volunteers and watched the live stream. Kathleen and her co-chairperson Deb Matthews arrived to join us after the debate.
The delegates were selected over the weekend of January 12–13, It was called the Leadership Election Meeting (LEM). There are a total of 107 electoral districts in Ontario, and there would be more than 1800 delegates. In addition, there were only 16 delegates needed in each district. For example, our riding members could vote for any candidate and candidate’s delegates. There was a formula for selecting delegates by percentage of members votes. Other volunteers, along with Kelly and I were at the LEM building and we gave out our flyers to the members. I introduced myself (I had an interpreter) and told why I supported Kathleen and why I was interested to be Kathleen’s delegate. Other people did the same for other candidates as well. Only Kelly and I made it because we stood for five hours and it was cold! Later, we were told that it was unofficial, but Kelly and I were selected as delegates for sure. I was thrilled that I was the only Deaf delegate in the OLP leadership convention, and it may actually be a first for the Ontario Liberal Party’s history. I had to do my homework to prepare for being there as a delegate. It was very important for me to vote for the best candidate for our next premier of Ontario. In addition, 419 Liberal ex-officio delegates would be eligible to vote at the convention by virtue of party and elected offices they have held. I texted Kathleen, and she was thrilled to know that we both were delegates. Immediately she discussed with me about interpreters and she gave us the name for contacting OLP’s coordinator. Everything was confirmed.
Before the convention, we went to Kathleen’s campaign meeting with the delegates and staff. We had the information and agenda, and did some practice cheering and celebrating for Kathleen before she finally gave her formal speech on stage.
Friday morning (January 25), we went to the OLP leadership convention at Maple Leaf Gardens for registering and the first ballot vote. Then we went to work until 5 pm and we went back there for Dalton’s farewell. Of course, OLP provided the ASL/English interpreters there. I met Glen Murray, Eric Hoskins, Gerard Kennedy, Charles Sousa, Bob Rae, Dalton, former MP’s and MPP’s include John Turner, David Peterson and the delegates. In addition, I met many others and chatted with non-political persons such as Rick Mercer and Steve Paikin of The Agenda show (TVO). There was a little problem for accessibility. OLP provided the ASL/English interpreters there but they put them in the wrong spot (not on stage). It was hard for me to see them because of the media people around (blocking them). After Dalton’s farewell, Kathleen met us. She did not want to see me have frustration, and she demanded that the interpreters must stand on the stage. We told her that we would take the action for her. Kathleen told us that the Liberals must follow Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Next morning (January 26), we went there early. The gentleman (Mike) who was leading Kathleen’s campaign, met us and informed us that Kathleen requested Mike to check with the staff about interpreters on the stage three times the night before. I was impressed with her concern. We checked with the convention coordinator and a few OLP staff. They agreed and everything was set up. Two interpreters would be on the stage and two other interpreters with me in the seating area. It was awesome accessibility. In a few hours after all candidates gave their final words it was time for voting. We were prepared to stay there all day and night! I had to seek out other candidates’ delegates after their candidates lost their ballots and encourage them to join our team. Wow, we enjoyed watching the candidates who were eliminated from the next round and/or withdrew their nomination, to see where they would walk to, to provide support to another candidate.
After the final ballot, Kathleen won as the new OLP leader. Of course we celebrated all night. My friends texted me to congratulate me as a delegate, and Kathleen as new leader/premier. I was overwhelmed to respond to everyone. The attendees met me and were proud to work us and thanked me for being involved. Kathleen talked with me in person, and thanked me for being a wonderful member of the team! She looks forward to working with me.
I assumed that my work (as a delegate) was all done. Nevertheless, we were shocked that Queens Park and Kathleen Wynne invited us to attend there for the swearing–in ceremony for members of the executive council of the Province of Ontario on February 11, 2013. We went there, and we felt that we were at a reunion because we were glad to see our Wynne’s team again. We witnessed Kathleen and her 26 cabinet members as they stood for the oath. All 10 MPPs who supported her in last month’s Liberal leadership race are in her executive council, which expanded to 27 from McGuinty’s 23. Kathleen stated “My cabinet is slightly larger than the last because of the serious work that must be done.” After her speech, all guests proceeded to a reception in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite.
I am so glad that I became involved with her team. It makes for a very rich experience like Gary Malkowski’s who was a former NDP - MPP. I believe that I should encourage you all to get involved with your favorite political party. It will make a rewarding difference in your life!
