Standing up for what is right is a part of who I am. My mother tells the story of my decision to become a vegetarian at a young age and persuading the rest of my family to join me. I learned that I had the ability to shape my family and community for the better through example, persuasion, organizing, and always persistence—and I haven’t looked back.
As a young student, I joined the Sierra Youth Coalition and led the development of a sustainable campus plan for McMaster University. I represented Canadian youth at the UN Commission for Sustainable Development, and attended the climate negotiations COP11 in Montreal. And of course, I joined the NDP!
When I started my medical studies I began to make the link between our health and the health of the planet. I found like-minded colleagues at the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)—where I have served on the board of directors. At CAPE, we led campaigns to ban coal fired power plants in Ontario and made sure corporate interests did not interfere with the 2019 Canada food guide.
After I completed my medical training, I worked in inner-city Hamilton, Sioux Lookout, Whitehorse, and at shelters across Toronto Centre before starting my own practice in Regent Park. It became clear to me quickly that my second act as an activist would be against the legislated poverty crisis that is a national shame and a local emergency.
As Chair of Health Providers Against Poverty, I called out the City of Toronto for its inhumane shelter and drop-in conditions, and successfully advocated for the introduction of new standards for 24-hour respite sites across the City. I also advocated for increased social assistance rates, and investment in social and supportive housing.
I’ve been called relentless in my advocacy work. I hope so. I feel humbled by the challenges ahead. This year particularly, peace and freedom for all in Palestine and Israel feels so far away when even in Canada the suggestion of solidarity with the suffering of innocent people is condemned.
I am running to become the MP for Toronto Centre to take your stories and my relentless energy to Ottawa. Like all that I have done so far, I promise to be strategic in approach and uncompromising on principles.
— Samantha Green
