Youth have always been an important part of the NDP. Now, thanks to technology, Canada’s youth are more connected and political savvy than ever before. To listen to them and their ideas about how to build a better Canada is to be inspired.
The Cowichan-Malahat-Langford NDP will be highlighting stories from youth in our riding about what it means to them to be active in the party, why they chose the NDP, and who within the party inspires them.
To begin, 18-year-old Alistair’s A-Team member, Caelen Cook shares what it means to him to have Jagmeet Singh as a leader and Alistair MacGregor as his MP.
Writing about personal politics is an intimate experience. But for progressives, I believe it is integral to the movement. For me, at least, our movement is a very human one. A movement where we elevate the very best of humanity. Where we strive to be compassionate, sustainable and honest.
For me, Jagmeet Singh is an outstanding progressive leader. His book Love & Courage is boldly personal and demonstrates just one aspect of Mr. Singh that I admire. Speaking about the mental, physical and emotional trauma he experienced in his youth is an incredible act of personal courage as well as leadership for those affected today especially in ridings like Cowichan-Malahat-Langford where many also experience similar challenges.
Jagmeet Singh represents a rejection of divisive bitter politics that so often alienates other young voters. Instead of pushing away those who might not look like him, Singh practices the politics of love, of acceptance, and compassion. To me, his leadership means that, together, Canada can be truly more.
It is also meaningful to me to have an MP like Alistair MacGregor.
Briefly I had an opportunity to volunteer in his local constituency office last summer. During that time, I had a chance to observe the kind of things that Alistair and his team did to ensure the voices of the people of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford did not go unheard in Ottawa. Alistair and his constituency office team never left anyone behind, or without help. It’s that kind of honest caring spirit that makes him such a boon to our community.
Alistair’s hardworking, kind, and wholesome attitude inspires a belief in me that politics can be done differently — and for the better. It makes me believe that political change doesn’t necessarily have to be fought tooth and nail over, but rather a product of a healthy vibrant community like ours.
So, come join Alistair MacGregor, Jagmeet Singh and your Cowichan-Malahat-Langford NDP team on May 18th, for a ‘JagMeet and Greet’ at the Duncan Market. You can also download our app “Alistair’s A-Team” to get updates on Jagmeet’s and Alistair’s location as they go about their morning, checking out the Duncan Market!
Top image: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and MP Alistair MacGregor talking with students at Belmont Secondary in November 2018.
