Nicki Ward: Ward 13 Presentation (TMSU)

Full Transcript

[00:00] Good evening. My name is Nicki Ward. I ran in 2022 against this good-looking fellow here, and we came in second. There’s an appetite for change; we were considered a logical alternative in 2022. I can tell you that nobody regrets voting for us, so that might guide your decision. Thank you to the organizers and TMSU for setting this up.

I’m going to talk a little bit about me, a little bit about you, and hopefully a little bit about us.

[00:43] My name is Nicki Ward. I came out more than 30 years ago as a trans woman. My pronouns are she/her, and the next councillor for Ward 13. When I came out, I didn’t understand what male privilege was until I lost it overnight. When I came out 30+ years ago, it was a bad time for trans people. I lost access to my children because Ontario laws at the time said anyone transsexual was unfit. I had to prove I wasn't a danger to my children just to spend time with them.

The law also allowed landlords to deny housing. When I came to this area 30 years ago, nobody would rent to me because it was legal to turn me away as a renter for being trans.

[01:50] I’ve been an advocate on the right side of history for 30+ years. I organized the first trans march on Yonge Street, organized the Trans Memorial, and helped spearhead changes to the Canadian Constitution over three successive federal governments—Bill C-379, Bill C-289, and finally Bill C-16. We did that from the outside with no money, no support, and facing serious opposition.

I’m not an advocate because I’m mean-spirited; it’s because apparently when I go to the washroom, it’s treated as a political act. I want to encourage all of you to be engaged in the political process because our similarities are far greater than our differences. With the rise of populism, human rights right now are in as precarious a place as they were 30 years ago. The future is very much in your hands.

[03:00] When I lost that privilege, I lost my housing, my family, my job, my health, and my mental health broke. The only thing that kept me going was my own addictions, so I don’t judge anyone experiencing addiction. Fortunately, I’m in long-term recovery today, largely because the advocacy work I’ve done gives daily meaning to my existence.

[03:34] Looking at this panel: this room is filled with self-described feminists, but there are only two women running in this election, alongside nine men on the ballot. Why aren't there more women? Because there’s great personal risk in suiting up, showing up, and putting yourself out there with the hostility candidates encounter.

[04:20] Regarding my qualifications: I ran the largest housing cooperative in Canada with a capital budget of $100 million. I understand social housing from the ground up because I led the major organizations. I have a practical plan to introduce more co-op housing into Toronto Centre that isn't pie-in-the-sky—I know how to deliver it. If you're a woman or a trans woman, you know you often have to work twice as hard to be recognized. I'm qualified because I don't give in, and I know how to organize from outside positions of power.

[05:23] To young people: I applaud everyone who is engaged. The most appalling thing in the previous election was that 75% of eligible voters didn't turn out. That is how you end up with decisions made without you. Get out and vote, and bring your friends. If you don't take part, you lose your voice in the outcome.

[06:10] On transit: Students who are barely making ends meet shouldn't be paying TTC fares, period. Whether you're 18, 22, or a mature student, transit affordability is essential.

[06:24] On housing and affordability: We need expanded student cooperative housing, lower rents, cooperative food initiatives, and accessible part-time student employment. We also need a City Council that advocates strongly to Queen’s Park for stable, long-term post-secondary funding.

[07:05] If you are progressive, if you believe in equity-seeking leadership, and if you are a feminist, I ask for your vote for Toronto Centre / Ward 13. Thank you very much.