Manal Abullahi is an Ethiopian born Canadian running for a member of parliament in the province of Ontario in Canada. She came to Canada as a child with her Harari parents from Ethiopia. Manal has been passionate about community advocacy and education in Canada.
Yohannes Ayalew of Ethiofidel.com had an interview with Manal about her political career and around issues of mentorship and civic engagement among newcomer communities in Canada. Here is the interview.
Ethiofidel: You are a young mother of three running for office. Why the Liberal party?
Manal : I have always resonated with the Liberal party because I believe that I had to work hard in life for what I have gotten but I also realize I’ve been fortunate, because people gave me opportunities. It’s this balanced approach to life social economic problems that I appreciate from the Liberal party. The recognition that people want to work hard, but if they do fall, there needs to be a cushion for landing and support to help people build back up. I take the same approach in life. When I needed help as a struggling student – there was financial support during the programs to allow me to afford going to school, but I also knew I couldn’t just depend on the program, I needed to work hard to graduate.
As well Liberal’s are not afraid to be progressive, not afraid to tax people fair share (corporates) , not afraid of business. The Liberal party is evidence based and less committed to ideology, which I appreciate.
Ethiofidel: You come from activism as well as from the academia where you have been engaged with young people. Is politics still a viable option to bring positive change?
Manal : Politics is one of many avenues to bring about positive change. It is one of the more effective avenues that can not only bring change but bring lasting change. We’ve seen many examples of this in the past, many of which came from the liberal party. Which shaped the environment we now live in.
Ethiofidel : I read your fascinating biography and profile. Your families are from Harari region in Ethiopia, you are a Canadian citizen. Share with me the highlights?
Manal: I am the mother of three incredible daughters, a community organizer, a long-time resident of Scarborough, and an advocate for Inclusive Public Policy, but long before that, I was an immigrant and refugee. My parents’ sacrifices to ensure I have the opportunity to pursue education subconsciously created a deep-seated understanding of its value to help people and create opportunity. This is the reason I am committed to ensuring that children and youth in our community have access to quality education and are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow.
Ethiofidel: You are from Scarborough. Some say it is a neglected part of Toronto. If elected, how will you be addressing those concerns?
Manal: The current liberal platform has some great policies and great initiatives, and it addresses issues for Ontarians on a large scale. So, it will address issues that will benefit all of Ontario. I plan to focus more on those that are more applicable to Scarborough and the needs that I have heard from Scarborough residents. One area Scarborough has been neglected in is investment in our healthcare network. Despite being 25% of the Toronto population, Scarborough only receives less than 1% of the hospital donations. We as a party have committed to investing $1.9B towards the building of a new Scarborough hospital, improvement of services, and facilities.
I will be addressing concerns by recognizing that who knows best when it comes to Scarborough’s needs are its people and I will not only be an active listener but be a voice for people’s needs. The people of Scarborough know best what affects them on a day-to-day basis and listening is the best way I could effect change. That and the liberal platform is a great blueprint and launching pad.
Ethiofidel: What is one of your burning issues you plan to bring to Queens Park?
Manal: In all of my canvassing it is clear that we are in the midst of an affordability crisis. People are having a hard time getting by day to day due to rising cost of groceries, gas, rent/housing prices, etc. There needs to be an effective affordability plan that addresses this crisis and alleviates the burden many are feeling day-today as a result.
Ethiofidel: Mentorship is important. There are few people of your background running for office. What is the practical advice you have received as a candidate and by whom?
Manal: While I had great mentors, speaking to the people of Scarborough is where I received the best advice. People have shared that they need a representative that doesn’t only show up and ask how residents are doing during election season. I agree.
Ethiofidel: Any lasting words you have for some new immigrants on the importance of civil and political engagement?
Manal: If you don’t vote you don’t have a voice. Politics are where changes start and are made. Politics affect how you live day to day. To take the stance of they’re all the same is like taking the stance of, giving up your right to your voice. Being involved in politics doesn’t only mean running for office although that’s an effective way to enact change. But being involved in politics is looking at your voice as your vehicle to drive change
Please make sure to vote, but also continue to engage with local representatives on what needs to be done to improve the day-to-day life of residents in your community.
Ethiofidel: Thank you Manal for your replies!
