Multicultural Must Read: Somali-Canadians in Municipal Politics

The young generation of Toronto Somali-Canadians is aiming to be a part of the Canadian governing institutions

Voice of America-Somali radio reports from Washington.

Translated Summary: For the last decade or so, Somali-Canadians in Toronto have been running for different public positions. At present, Somalis have two elected legislators who represent them in the federal and provincial governments. Now, the young generation born and raised in Toronto wants to get their share in Ontario public offices. Zakaria Abdulle is an educated professional who is one of the new generation of Torontonians who are a product of the city. He lives on Dixon Road, which is in North Etobicoke. Mr. Zakaria is running to represent Ward 1 as a Toronto District School Board Trustee in this upcoming election on October 22, 2018, where the Mayor, city councillors and Toronto District School Board Trustees will be elected.

Zakaria spoke in front of his supporters, telling them that if he is elected, he can and will move the Somali community forward. He’s aiming to change the negative image of Dixon Road and he wants to create employment opportunities and better public education for young people. Zakaria told VOA that he is not happy about what is currently going on in the Northwest Region of Toronto in terms of school dropout rates, gun violence and epidemic unemployment in the Somali community. He said, “I would be someone the youth could trust to discuss the issues affecting their lives with, because we grew up together and I share the same school experience with them. I am also familiar with what it takes to get into the work force and to a higher education level.” The Somali-Canadian community members in Toronto who came out to support his campaign expressed how they are delighted about the rise of young educated professionals to positions of leadership. One of the speakers said, “It is an important step forward for the community to see their youngsters who were born here and grew up be part of the leadership of this country and share our commendable values with other Canadians.” (05/08/2018)

As Ontario's municipal elections near, MIREMS' multilingual and multiculural consultants are listening to, reading and watching ethnic media every day. Bringing these voices to the mainstream discourse is part of MIREMS' mandate.