I am a man in my 50’s living in Nova Scotia, Canada, working in post-secondary education. I grew up in the UK and emigrated to Canada in 2006 with my partner. I try to live my life guided by my progressive values and approach.
Background
At the age of 18 I left the small town where I grew up to attend university in Leeds at the height of Thatcherism. This small town boy had his eyes opened to the wider world and immersed myself in both student politics and community campaigns and struggles. I marched against Clause 28, the introduction of student loans and the poll tax.
After 20 years, learning lessons in life and building resilience, becoming an Assistant Chief Executive at work, becoming a Director of a non-profit housing organisation in my spare time, obtaining a professional designation and creating a couple of community websites, my partner and I decided to move to Canada.
After not planning on working for a university in Canada or getting involved in Politics, I have worked for three universities and a college and been President of two provincial riding associations as well as a member of a provincial executive of a political party. I have also worked in politics. I believe you need to have flexible plans, an open mind and growth mindset when moving to a new country.
Parent to two great young men and various pets of different varieties over the years.
Employment
I have worked for over 30 years in Student Affairs for universities and colleges in the United Kingdom and Canada. For two years I served as Chief of Staff for my Member of Parliament, both at home in her constituency and also in Ottawa before returning to post-secondary education in late 2021.
Personal highlights of my career include:
- Being recognized by my peers and winning the Award of Merit from the Atlantic Association of College and University Student Services (AACUSS) in 2019
- Facilitating workshops for college staff in Ethiopia in 2017 and Uganda in 2019 on supporting students
- Being a guest speaker in London on Residence Life systems in Canada in 2012 and 2014
- Serving as President of AACUSS in 2016 and 2017
- Helping to guide a Private Member’s Bill on Environmental Racism through the House of Commons to committee stage.
Political Activism
I have been involved in community political activities since Clause 28 and the Poll Tax but in recent years I have concentrated on election strategy and trying to elect effective progressive candidates. I have delivered literature, knocked doors, made phone calls but helping with database, other technology, election finance and strategy are my main thing. I have been an official agent for a candidate both provincially and federally for two different parties.
Thank you for stopping by.
