The Immigrant Experience in Politics: Stories of Inspiration and Perseverance
Lama Alshami - August 2024
Photo credit: Syrian Canadian Foundation
Diverse speakers recounted their journey into politics, advocacy and civic engagement at an event held by the Syrian Canadian Foundation.
More than five influential voices, including four racialized women, shared their inspiring journeys through politics and civic action at the Syrian Canadian Foundation’s 'Government Discussion Panel' on August 10. The event, part of the Women in Civic Engagement (WICE) program, aimed to empower women and equip them with the necessary resources and skills to navigate the complex dynamics of civic engagement and political landscapes.
Politicians and community advocates offered their insights into the resilience and determination required to make an impact in their respective fields and how their experiences as immigrants has shaped their careers.
The Honourable Minister Charmaine Williams, Associate Women's Social and Economic Opportunity, and Member of Provincial Parliament, Andrea Hazell who is the Member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and Liberal Critic for: Transportation; Multiculturalism; Women’s issues both gave powerful speeches on being Black women in a historically white dominated field.
Minister Williams, the first Black woman to sit on Brampton’s City Council, gave a passionate speech of her path to politics. She explained how her friend, a mother of four, made her realize that it was possible for mothers to be politicians.
She said her friend told her, “you need to run” and so, “the seed was planted.”
From 9 a.m to 8 p.m she went door knocking until election day, introducing herself to her future constituents with her baby on her back and her other children pushing her wagon. At times, all five of her young children were helping her with the campaign.
Having a background in therapy, and being new to politics, she shared that none of the voters knew who she was, but she focused on “issues close to people’s hearts,” and marched on.
Despite winning the election in Brampton Centre, she said she “felt like a fish out of water,” facing many complaints. But the challenges she faced, “only made her stronger,” she explained.
Honourable Minister Charmaine Williams (third from left) addressing WICE program attendees.
Photo credit: Syrian Canadian Foundation
“When you do good things, people notice you,” Minster Williams said, noting that her positive efforts also attracted those who wanted her removed from office.
During the question and answer period, Tehmina Chaudhry, a participant in the WICE program who has established an organization to support new entrepreneurs, brought up a concern where she tried contacting Minister Williams but never received a response. Minister Williams immediately apologized and gave everyone her personal number, encouraging meaningful dialogue and fostering a sense of community amongst everyone, stating, “this is not normal practice, but sometimes, this is what it takes to make a difference. This connection and problem solving.”
As the Associate Minister of “Women’s Issues,” she made sure to change the title to “Women's Social and Economic Opportunity,” to better advocate for the rights of women. Changing the title was only the beginning of changing the system to support, advocate for and provide more opportunities for women.
Minister Williams reminded all of the WICE participants that, “When you decide to do something a little scary… there are good people on the other side.” She motivated the participants to take bold, and sometimes daunting, steps in their careers, emphasizing that the challenges they face will be met with support and opportunities for growth.
“I want to encourage women to not think there’s nowhere else you can go,” she added.
MPP Andrea Hazell, strongly empathized with all the newcomer women at the event. As a first generation immigrant, she faced the same roadblocks as everyone else at the WICE event. She reminded the attendees that the most important things to have as an immigrant are “grit” and “motivation to keep moving.”
MPP Hazell shared that she came to Canada as a teenager and had to work three jobs to make ends meet. She left her home country for a brighter future in Canada, and that’s what she did. However, after working at a financial institution for thirty years, she “couldn’t break the glass ceiling,” she said.
MPP Hazell explained, “My ceiling did not become a glass ceiling, it became a cement ceiling,” which prompted her to leave finance and pursue a career in politics instead.
MPP Andrea Hazell (second from left) giving a passionate speech to attendees.
Photo credit: Syrian Canadian Foundation
“You need to ask yourself, what is going to be your legacy? You came to this country for a reason.” Hazell said.
Her advice to the group was to “get connected and form a tribe,” as she did not want another woman to feel alone like she once did.
When asked by a WICE program participant, Hooria Sardar, how she deals with imposter syndrome, coming to Canada and having the role she has, then feeling guilty and undeserving of the role she worked so hard to earn. MPP Hazell replied, “you cannot fight it, rather you must acknowledge it, let it come and allow it to pass. But not let it overtake your purpose.”
Minister Williams also replied, saying that if your friend had the same doubts that you did, you would remind them that they have what it takes, so you must treat yourself the way you would a friend.
“It doesn’t matter the challenges you come across, there are many opportunities too,” Hazell concluded.
During the discussion panel, Hajra Naeem, Chair for the Muslim Staff Network and Project Lead at the City of Toronto, connected with the participants on a personal level, being a Muslim woman of colour herself.
When asked about how to deal with the narrative of being an immigrant, she replied, “Accept them [the labels people throw at you], own them and proudly wear them.”
She urged participants to “have Tawwakkul,” the Islamic word for having utmost and ultimate faith and putting trust in God’s plan.
Mridul Sharma, another panelist, who originally came to Canada as an international student, and is currently working as a community outreach and operations administrator, at the office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada responded, “You are there for a reason.” He reminded everyone that they would not have gotten this far if they were not meant to be there.
He further said, “You have lived experiences [as an immigrant], that's your biggest strength,” suggesting that being an immigrant also comes with its own advantages you can utilize in politics.
Member of Parliament, Iqra Khalid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, the last keynote speaker at the event, received a passionate introductory speech by Amna Shah, a participant for the WICE program.
WICE program participant Amna Shah introducing MP Iqra Khalid
Photo credit: Syrian Canadian Foundation
Shah, an immigrant from Pakistan, like MP Khalid, said she greatly appreciated her making the time to come to the event. She shared that MP Khalid is an inspiration to her, as seeing someone who looks like her and represents her in politics fills her with immense pride and hope for her future.
MP Khalid discussed the advocacy work she has been involved in through her role, mentioning how she is working to get feedback on how to define anti-Palestinian racism, as well as leading the Muslim community to understand how important it is to engage in politics.
MP Khalid said she is happy to be amongst a group of strong women and that she wants to make sure the next generation does not have to face the same challenges she did as a Muslim, woman, immigrant and person of colour.
She was asked by Shah how she navigates situations where her ideals don’t align with the government.
“It’s always a balance,” MP Khalid replied. She stressed the significance of having more diverse people at the table to better advocate for everyone’s rights.
The Honourable Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Health and Long Term Care of Ontario was not able to make it to this event but was eager to take part in the initiative. She was able to send a video to the participants encouraging them to work hard and make an effort in civic engagement as newcomer women.
Networking session with the keynote speakers and attendees.
Photo credit: Syrian Canadian Foundation
There was a networking session where attendees had the opportunity to connect with all the keynote speakers and panelists. Business cards were passed around, people were hugging and photos were taken.
The attendees expressed their gratitude for this event and the opportunity to meet with public figures they found inspiring.
Each speaker told their own story of immigration, discrimination and perseverance that got them to the role they hold today. They demonstrated to the attendees that being an immigrant can provide you with a unique perspective and skillset that others may not possess.
They encouraged the participants to continue on their path, offering words of advice and of motivation to anyone looking to start their venture into politics.
The purpose of the Women in Civic Engagement program was to allow for networking opportunities alongside exposing the participants to different perspectives on the reality of politics, the challenges one may face and the strength and perseverance required to overcome them. The event was successful in meeting its goal through the powerful, inspiring and motivating speeches and incredible networking opportunities for the participants.
Perspective of a journalism student on the Women in Civic Engagement program’s Government Discussion Panel.
Lama Alshami
Lama is a passionate student journalist at Toronto Metropolitan University, dedicated to inspiring and representing Muslim women in the media while shedding light on important political issues globally. She contributes to various publications, including HerCampus, CanCulture, and StyleCircle. She aims to advocate for equality, justice, and human rights through her writing and reporting. Her goal is to use her platform to drive meaningful change and amplify underrepresented voices.