Tuesday night at the Jazz Room was a unique event inviting Waterloo Region Greens to “sing your politics”, and they did. We had nearly three hours of performances by fifteen talented local musicians.
The show started with a performance of an indigenous song about the land—a musical land acknowledgement. Jesse’s drumming and vocals send chills down our spines, followed by some a cappella vocals later in the evening.
The unifying theme was “songs of protest”, with renditions of many of the classics, including Joni Mitchel’s Big Yellow Taxi, “Glassworks” by Philip Glass, “Things Can Only Get Better” by Howard Jones, “What in the World” by Rory Gallagher, “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, and the “The Trees” by Rush performed by YYZ. We even heard a rendition of “5 Years” by David Bowie by Electoral District CEO Dave Dolson.
There were several original songs performed too, with local musicians creating their own heart-wrenching and emotionally charged lyrics, like Jakki Annerino’s “Peace on Earth” and “A Safe & Welcome Land” and Wayne Cheater’s “Oh Great Earth” and “Let’s Work Together”. We also heard Noah Stolee’s “Amsterdam”, as well a some of Andrew Mac’s latest songs, which really set the vibe.
We heard from Shefaza Esmail, candidate of record for the provincial Waterloo Greens with a background in environmental engineering and who teaches at the UofW. She helped shed some light on some of the many cultural and religious traditions experienced by our residents.
His turn at the mic, Nick Rollick introduced himself as a candidate for the federal Greens’ nomination. He’s knocked on 1,500 doors and talked to 700 Waterloo residents and reports that around a third of those he spoke to are leaning Green—that’s plenty to win in 2025!
All of the performers were warmly received by a friendly and encouraging audience.
Between the many songs and few speeches, petitions were signed, donations were made, volunteers were signed up, and plans were brainstormed.
Waterloo Region Greens are working hard to make sure they have the candidates and volunteers they need to mount winning campaigns in the upcoming federal election.
As winter seems to be rolling out early, so are Nick’s Rollick’s canvassing efforts in Waterloo. Nick has put his name forward as a contestant to be the Waterloo Green Party’s federal MP nominee. But he’s not waiting until the nomination contest is over to shake the trees for the Waterloo Greens. The math genius-turned sustainability advocate has been pounding the snowy pavement all January, talking to hundreds of voters at their door. Things are picking up for spring! As volunteers door-knock with Nick and help recruit even more volunteers, Nick is skiing the green wave from Kitchener-Centre into Waterloo.
Nick answered a few questions about his goals and experiences.
Why did you decide to run for the nomination?
Up to now, I’ve tried to “live my values”, hoping it would set a positive example for others and inspire them to take action. I switched to a vegan diet in 2015 for sustainability reasons, went without owning a car for five years, and then finally bought an EV when I could afford it. While these actions align with the kind of world I’d like to see, I’ve realized that these actions don’t change the world around me on a large scale. Through helping with Mike Morrice’s two campaigns and my wife’s provincial campaign in Waterloo, I saw the power of community organizing: uniting people around common values and issues. I’m running because I want to build community, and show Waterloo that we can organize and mobilize to fight for the hopeful changes we want to see.
Why are you the right person to be the nominee?
I have been extremely active in most of Waterloo Region’s Green success stories. I was a regular canvasser with both of Mike Morrice’s campaigns right from the beginning, and we built up a good enough relationship that he would attend my wedding in 2022. Following Mike’s victory, I now volunteer with his constituency office, where I’ve gathered first-hand experience of the issues residents face when navigating federal government services. When my wife Shefaza Esmail ran provincially in Waterloo in 2022, I became one of the chief strategists for that campaign, directing canvassing operations and leading Waterloo Greens to their best provincial election result in over a decade. Adding to this, I am now halfway through a Master’s degree in Social Justice and Community Engagement at Laurier, where I’ve gathered a much better picture of the issues facing the country and some possible policy solutions.
Also, from a practical point of view, I have a lot of time I can spend on canvassing and attending community events right now, since I’m on parental leave with our first child until July, and intend to take time off to campaign full-time when September comes around.
What are you doing to make sure that you are abreast of Waterloo voter’s issues?
I strongly support local journalism, and subscribe to the Waterloo Region Record in order to keep on top of the decisions being made in the Region and province. Beyond that, since I have been officially approved as a nomination contestant, I have been knocking on doors, often with my daughter along for the ride! In a month, I’ve knocked on nearly 500 doors throughout the city, talking with over 200 people, enough to realize some common concerns are coming up again and again.
Tell us about the canvassing activities you’ve been involved in and what progress you are making? What are you learning?
This month has been a great one for canvassing. I’ve been out anywhere from three to six times per week, weather permitting, and I’ve already been joined by seven others at various points throughout the month. I’ve been particularly inspired by the youth that want to get involved. The most dedicated volunteers this month have been university students and middle school students.
Conversations at the door have been very interesting! For one, Mike Morrice has left a real impact even on residents of Waterloo. Many people are giving the Greens a real look for the first time because Mike has been such an effective advocate for the community. I’ve also spoken to many traditional NDP voters and even some Conservative voters who are not happy with the direction those parties have taken recently, leading them to look at the Greens as the only trusted alternative. As mentioned above, we’ve reached almost 500 doors in January, with just this small canvassing team. So far, about one in four people we talk to is thinking of voting Green, so I think there’s a real opportunity for Waterloo to go Green federally.
What do you see as the key issues that voters care about in Waterloo’s next federal election?
So far, most people at the door are sharing the same three issues. The biggest one we hear about is worry over the cost of housing. Even if someone isn’t directly affected, they usually have someone in their life that is. The second one is that people are tired of politicians fighting with each other, and putting party first over policy. They would like to see more collaboration, so that we can work together to solve the issues we’re facing. Finally, many people are sharing that they’re worried about climate change and how we will adapt to it. They want to see Canada take action, but I’m also hearing that people think the Trudeau government has been a bit heavy-handed in their messaging around the fight against climate change. They want to see a kinder approach, where we make sure people and provinces make a smooth transition to renewable energy.
What is the most important issue and what is your view on it?
Without a doubt, the cost of housing is the biggest issue on everyone’s mind right now. Home ownership is no longer attainable for many, and rents are eating up more and more of a person’s monthly income. Our province has talked a lot about the lack of housing supply, and many folks are sharing their frustrations that Canada is admitting so many immigrants and international students when we don’t have affordable places to house everyone. I think this is a very complex issue, and no single solution will fix it. However, there are two things I would fight for to address the housing situation:
Get the federal government involved in building homes again. I think it’s pretty clear that the private sector is not going to solve the housing supply issue by themselves. Left to their own devices, developers would build the housing that makes them the most money, which is not usually the type of housing that families need or can afford. The federal government used to be very active in building housing, and this could be a great opportunity to change the direction that future housing takes in Canada. I’d like to see federally supported housing follow the model proposed by the Canadian Cohousing Network, which emphasizes the construction of private dwellings within a shared space to build community and overcome feelings of alienation. The federally-driven housing projects could also be legislated to enforce state-of-the-art sustainable building standards, contributing to Canada’s fight against climate change.
Tax investment properties as personal income, not capital gains. Ontario-wide, investors own 42% of all condos, and in the city of Toronto, over 20% of homes are also investor-owned. While this is not a problem if these properties are leased long-term, about 5% of all rental properties in Canada are now short-term, such as AirBnB rentals. With investors accounting for so much of the housing market, private builders are incentivized to build to suit the needs of investors, rather than families looking for a place to live. I would propose to tax income from investment properties more aggressively, as personal income, to decrease the fraction of the housing market held by investors and get properties back into the hands of homeowners again.
What is your key message for WRGreen party members, volunteers, and voters who aren’t sure that Waterloo can turn Green?
I was right there with Mike Morrice when many skeptical voters expressed concern that a vote for him would be a wasted vote, and that the Greens could never win in Kitchener. And yet, it happened! The federal and provincial Green victories in Kitchener Centre have proved to Waterloo Region that Greens can win here. All it takes is running a serious, empowering campaign. The formula for a successful Green campaign is well-known: knock on every door twice, raise over $100,000, and recruit 500 volunteers by election day. I intend to do all those things, and by the time we’re finished, Waterloo will see the impact of a people-powered movement for positive change.
She called it an “insane career choice” when she first described it to us in May. She was talking about her decision to put her name in for the Green Party of Ontario’s candidate nomination process. Kitchener Centre had a byelection coming up because the sitting MPP quit.
As a councillor she was frustrated that the premier had stripped the city of many of its powers and started to expand municipal boundaries and trounce the Greenbelt. We were out with Aislinn protesting these moves by the province. Frustrated by her quasi-demotion, she decided to take the fight to Queen’s Park, the source of this antisocial scourge.
Aislinn’s calls of injustice hit a nerve; volunteers came to her side by the hundreds, finding that Aislinn’s Green values spoke to them and that they wanted to put their energy into causing a change in politics.
After Aislinn and her hundred of volunteers knocked on 30,000 doors twice, and phoned every phone thrice, and shot out emails to supporters almost daily for weeks and months, and organized sign-waves, protests, parades, pizza parties, waffle breakfasts, hammered lawn signs, set up booths and the list goes one–she won!
It was a big win for Aislinn and the Greens last night. She got over 50% of the votes, which is ridiculously high given there were 18 other candidates on the ballot! She doubled her closest rival’s votes. You often hear opposition supporters scoff that greens can’t win, but last night shows that we can win by a landslide!
As MPP Mike Shreiner put it last night, the Green wave is rolling out from Kitchener-Centre! Where will it go next? By-Elections can happen in the interim, but the federal election is two years away and the provincial election is less than three years away.
That means we need strong green candidates in every riding at both levels and we need them sooner than later. We are the party that recognizes the climate and social emergencies – and faces them with policies built on evidence and science—we believe in data-driven decision-making and fiscal discipline. If that’s what you are about then join us or nominate yourself as a candidate.
Candidates are critical, but they also need human infrastructure to support them. As volunteers, we witnessed how the scaffolding is built up around a candidate. All kinds of supports are needed, often on a shoe-string budget. Come volunteer with us!
If you want to see a stellar Greens running in your riding in the coming election battles, then we need your treasure too! Join and make a donation to your local Green Party so they can attract excellent candidates and build a hope chest for the coming election races.
The WR Greens have been working tirelessly to save the Greenbelt, and they are heartened by the recent reversal of the policy threatening it, but there is still so much more to be done. With the smoggies running the province, we are poised to be one of the only places left on Earth investing in fossil fuel infrastructure like natural gas plants, yet we are running out of time to save our planet. Climate change is a ticking time bomb, and we need to act now.
The Kitchener-Centre by-election is less than a month away, and the riding is now awash with Green signs for Aislinn Clancy. Hundreds of volunteers have knocked on every door and called every phone in the riding, drumming up support and signing up supporters for lawn signs. And it shows!
Winning an election for a people-powered party like the Greens means a lot of leg and ear work. Beyond just talking, we are listening. That’s why the Greens aren’t just the champions of the environment, but they also stand for social justice and affordability.
Last night’s official campaign kickoff party comes just five days after Premier Ford’s by-election announcement. Scurried and cynical, the PCs are running a non-resident candidate in the riding. But Aislinn Clancy is different. She’s a hard worker in the local community. Caring and empathy are her calling cards here.
Aislinn put her hand over her heart and asked us all to do the same and close our eyes. As we took deep breaths we tried to be mindful of why we are here and why we are doing this. Why Ontario needs candidates like Aislinn to run!
She became emotional and her voice and tears authentically told us what she felt. She fought hard to become a city councilor only to have her tools stripped away from her by the premier’s strong mayor legislation. She witnessed municipal boundaries expanded without the council’s consent. While many of us are angry about the mismanagement we see of the province, Aislinn reminded us not to waste that anger. It’s there for a reason. It’s there to help organize and mobilize us for political action. To fight back against our smoggy rulers catering to a few 1%ers! To fight against this cratering injustice.
Volunteering for the Greens isn’t always as magical as it may seem. After all, someone’s got to clean out the rotten pumpkins from the riding office. But with Aislinn Clancy leading the charge, we can make a difference. She’s a mom, wife, and city councillor, who is out knocking on doors on evenings and weekends. Her family sacrifices for her, but she’s made to do this.
With more Green Party members in the legislature, we will see progress on key files like housing, mental health, physical wellbeing, and basic income. We need a new economy, a green, climate-friendly economy. While the Greens get things done by working with other parties, they also differ quite a bit from other progressive parties, who often give economic rationales primacy when it comes time to vote.
Just three weeks left…let’s make history together!
Waterloo Region Greens recently came together (Saturday, 29 July, 2-4 at Waterloo Park) for an afternoon “Rally Against the Big Sprawl”, showcasing their shared commitment to preserving the region’s natural beauty and combating urban sprawl that threatens sustainability.
The aim was to protest Premier Ford and the PC Government’s hard push toward escalating the expansion of urban sprawl, to break up our local farms and to pave over forests and wetlands.
The event was a collaborative effort, attended by members from various groups and organizations, each working diligently to protect the environment, and right now, the Greenbelt.
Many of us were sporting our Aislinn Clancy light green shirts! She gave a talk about living our values as she prepares for her bi-election this fall.
In this post, we’ll explore the diverse groups that participated in the rally and the work they are doing to safeguard the region’s green spaces and promote sustainable development.
Council of Canadians: Challenging Corporate Influence
The Council of Canadians is a progressive social action organization dedicated to advancing social, economic, and environmental justice since 1985. Their involvement in the Rally Against the Big Sprawl highlights their efforts to address the role of corporate influence in driving development that threatens the region’s greenbelt areas. By fostering awareness and encouraging sustainable practices, they aim to protect the natural resources and ensure the region’s long-term health and well-being.
Hold The Line: Preserving the Country Line
Another group that actively participated in the rally was “Hold The Line.” This organization is committed to preserving the country line and preventing further outward residential development. By advocating for responsible urban planning and development, they strive to maintain a balance between growth and environmental conservation.
Nith Valley EcoBoosters: Volunteers for Environmental Cleanup
The Nith Valley EcoBoosters, a not-for-profit volunteer group, dedicate their efforts to cleaning up the environment in Wilmot and Wellesley Townships. Their active involvement in the rally demonstrates their commitment to creating a healthy environment and promoting sustainability in the region. Through education, action, and collaboration, they empower local communities to become stewards of their natural surroundings.
Grand River Environmental Network: Guardians of Nature
The Grand River Environmental Network (GREN) is an assembly of activists, watchdogs, guardians, and concerned citizens working towards environmental preservation. By sharing information, fostering awareness, and promoting respect for the natural world, GREN plays a role in safeguarding the region’s ecological integrity. Their presence in the rally underscores the significance of collective efforts in preserving the environment for future generations.
Keep the Greenbelt Promise Campaign: Protecting the Greenbelt
The Keep the Greenbelt Promise campaign, consisting of grassroots organizations, stands united in preventing development within the Greenbelt. By advocating for supportive policies from Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and mobilizing local organizations, they aim to counter the threat of encroachment on this vital natural reserve. Their advocacy is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and the region’s resilience to urban sprawl.
Waterloo Region Nature: Keeping it Green
Waterloo Region Nature is a naturalist club for all parts of the Region of Waterloo and a charity engaged in conservation activities. They sponsor fun activities about any aspect of nature, for adults, youth and children. Through their sponsorship of engaging and educational activities for people of all ages, Waterloo Region Nature continues to inspire a love for nature and instill a sense of responsibility in protecting the environment for future generations.
ACORN Canada: Advocating for Renters’ Rights
Among the participants in the rally were members of ACORN Canada, one of the first renter’s unions in the country. ACORN Canada has been fighting for the rights of renters and advocating for affordable housing solutions. By addressing the challenges faced by renters in the Waterloo Region, they contribute to the overall goal of preserving green spaces and preventing urban sprawl driven by uncontrolled development.
Small Change Fund: Amplifying Community Impact
The event was sponsored by the Small Change Fund, a platform that allows communities across Canada to amplify the impact of their environmental projects. By providing expert advice, crowdfunding opportunities, and increased awareness, the fund helps passionate individuals and groups bring their visions to life. Their involvement in the rally highlights the importance of community-driven efforts in safeguarding the environment.
While it’s disheartening that our current political climate necessitates the existence of these action groups, their unwavering determination and vitality serve as a true inspiration. The collective belief in safeguarding nature is paramount, recognizing that our environment is the very foundation that sustains all of us.
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