Annamie Paul on positive social change and community engagement
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Young Women in Business Toronto (YWiB) aims to provide our diverse community of young, self-identified women with genuine career advice, encouragement, and examples of local role models. That's why, for the next few months, we’ll be interviewing both career professionals and entrepreneurs that our community can be inspired by and learn from. Please note that YWiB Toronto does not officially endorse any candidate or party through our content.
Annamie Paul, Leader of the Green Party of Canada
Annamie, your credentials and accolades are impressive, plus you bring significant political experience to your new role as the Leader of the Green Party of Canada. Was there a particular experience, mentor, or event that originally led you to pursue a political career vs. other career trajectories?
I was engaged with public policy from an early age. My mom still has a photo of me at 12-years old in my Ontario Legislature Page’s uniform, and I can still remember the rallies, protests and strikes that she took me to. My own lived experience led me to politics. I want to be part of the collecting action we need to lead us through these challenging times. And I want to be a problem solver by being at the table and part of the conversations about building a better future.
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What are the personal values you bring to your work?
Building a more just and equitable society is my overarching goal.
Do you have a role model that has made a big impact in your life?
My mother and my grandmother inspired me to pursue a life of creating positive change. They are immigrants from the Caribbean who came to Canada and worked hard in Toronto Centre’s schools and hospitals. My mother continues to model strength and daring for me and my family.
From your experience, would be your advice for getting consensus or buy-in when the team or stakeholders represent very different perspectives or agendas?
My mother taught me good things happen when people come together, especially when it is a diverse group of people. Diverse representation matters, because we are far less likely to develop poor policy solutions when a variety of perspectives and experiences are actively involved in developing the policy. I’ve learned it’s crucial to listen to everyone’s point of view and then use the common threads to help build consensus where possible and compromise where necessary.
As a political figure and Black womxn in politics, you will face some criticism, hate, and online trolls. What is your advice for others in the public eye who have to deal with similar negative reactions and/or commentary?
I have chosen to refuse to let myself be silenced. I will educate whenever possible and resist actively when necessary. I encourage anyone who wishes to be an ally to speak out forcefully on our behalf, because silence emboldens hate. It is also important to have a strong support network as a counterweight. I also encourage people to take regular breaks from social media. In my case, I only created my first social media account in 2019, and I am almost never online anymore.
What would you say to those in our community who want to get involved in politics?
Self-awareness is crucial. When getting into politics we need to understand what our values, life goals, strengths, or weaknesses are so we can choose the right place to engage in the world of politics. Everyone sees the candidate/politician, but not all of us want to be involved as a leader or public-facing member, but there are so many opportunities to get engaged in politics that you shouldn’t let that deter you.
A first step you can take is to get involved with political campaigns on a volunteer basis so you can begin to understand the experience, the atmosphere, and start to make connections with other people who have similar passions as you. Not only is this an amazing learning experience, but it will help you start to build valuable relationships and connections.
When getting into politics we need to understand what our values, life goals, strengths, or weaknesses are so we can choose the right place to engage in the world of politics.
Similarly, what would be your advice for those who aren’t looking to run for a political position, but want to impact change on issues they’re passionate about?
Interestingly enough, I wasn’t involved with politics for a long time, I had a full career as a community activist, diplomat and social entrepreneur. Through those experiences I learned that there are many ways to have a meaningful impact outside of the world of organised politics.
Civil society and mass mobilisation are key to creating the conditions for positive social change, and also need the talent and intellect of committed people.
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What does a ‘more sustainable Canada’ mean to you?
When thinking about what a more sustainable Canada looks like, it comes down to a few key areas: land protection and conservation, environmental protections, a national ban on fracking, and accelerating our just transition to a green economy. We are a country deeply dependent on and connected to nature and land.
We steward 20% of the Earth’s wild forests, 24% of its wetlands and almost one third of its land-stored carbon. In order to do our part in slowing climate change, we must protect and conserve this nature, working as an ally to support Indigenous-led initiatives.
A sustainable Canada also means protecting and preserving our democracy and social cohesion. We do this by reinforcing our social programs, completing our social safety net, reducing growing inequalities and committing to true reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
What excites you about the future?
This feels like a transformational moment. As Canadians, we can take bold and decisive action to rebuild and reimagine our communities and to have a truly just and sustainable society. We can do this in our COVID recovery and put into action the lessons we have learned, like converting CERB to implement a Guaranteed Livable Income. We can and must take action on climate. Affordable housing, robust mental health care; these things are in reach!
We need the political courage to change our communities, and our country, and I’m grateful to be in a position to champion these progressive policies for the benefit of my neighbours, and everyone in Canada!