After first meeting only 15 minutes prior, our wide reaching introductory discussion about politics, media, and life in Brampton, had naturally segued into the topic of demographics. To my delight, Nicholas Grewal, 25, was enlightening the conversation with one of many succinct points. "Their numbers exceed those of their parents generation, and many are eligible to vote for their first time." He was right on the money. The generation born between 1994-1996 is a rising force in the democratic social scene of Canada. The ability to connect and engage with that these young adults would surely pay great dividends to whoever could capture their attention. "Rule number one of media: you gotta know your audience." Even though we hadn't known each other prior to this event, it was clear that Mr. Grewal was a guy who "got it".
Mr. Grewal's insider analysis and understanding of demographics was obviously valuable knowledge for a media arts student like himself, or for a fledgling publishing empire like us at #BramptonRises. However it gets even more real when one realizes Mr. Grewal's father, Gurjit S. Grewal, is one of the candidates running for Mayor of Canada's 9th largest city. A city where shifting demographics vividly paint a picture of an evolving country, and a desire for a change of leadership is manifesting itself.
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| left: Brampton Mayoral Candidate Gurjit S. Grewal. Also pictured: a local, disadvantaged urban youth |
Through my deep rooted, and various "Brampton connections", I was able to procure an invite to mayoral candidate Gurjit Grewal's campaign dinner. Traditionally, one would assume this was "not your scene". A mostly Punjabi language dinner for supporters and volunteers of a so called "long shot" candidate for the mayor of Brampton? Not to mention, a crowd that mostly consisted of parents, older brothers and relatives of my peers.
A) Wouldn't it be awkward?
B) Couldn't they get someone better?
Simple answers
a) not at all, it was fine!
b) hell no, we the best!
My dedication to Brampton is unmatched. The only people that care more about this City are people that get paid to care about the city. I honestly think I may have some of them beat too. My angle, and the #BramptonRises angle is simple: I was raised + still live in Brampton, it's not "that bad" of a town, we are one of Canada's fastest growing cities, we have a young and vibrant population, great people come out of Brampton all the time, we are the paragon of Canadian diversity. Yet, for whatever reason, Brampton kind of sucks, real talk. Simply ask around, you'll get all the confirmation you need.
Why does Brampton suck? Well, depends on who you ask, but you'll find some common themes: there are not enough good jobs, traffic is a trip, there's nothing to do, it's isolated, high insurance premiums, it's boring, lack of a big university, there's a lack of united community spirit. These are just some of the mainstream problems with Brampton. Things have, and continue to get better, but it's still an "awkward adolescent phase" town, with a lot of growing up to do. Even though we are developmentally limited by being a suburb of Toronto, a glance at neighbouring municipalities shows that we are being left behind because we continue to be operate like a small backwater town. Despite having more people in Brampton than all but 8 cities in the entire country! We're a top 10 city in Canada, definitely not a top 10 destination. A sad truth is that most people my age (26) gauge their success based on how far one can get away from Brampton, there is no hope for many aspire for greatness in Brampton.
I obviously don't subscribe to such a theory.
Despite whatever language barriers, or generation gaps I may encounter, I know that I can confidently communicate and contribute in any place and any time where Brampton, and most importantly, the improvement of Brampton is being discussed. I love being exposed to the opinions and ideas of anyone who is engaged in making our city great and committed to its improvement. My associates and I have done the readings, completed our homework, went in for extra help, and guess what, this municipal election has proved we have absolutely "aced" the theoretical and practical test of "Brampton engagement". People recognize the efforts simply because we were the first, and still amongst the very few young cats who show up (voluntarily), and compulsively repeat this idea that #BramptonRises.
Ironically, "native, English speaking" young people usually respond to #BramptonRises with an apathetic and sarcastic "dduuuurrr.... rises, rising? risers? why doe? LOL!" While non native English speaking older people simply think about it for a moment, then say "yes, of course #BRAMPTONRISES!" Its hilarious how our generation pretend to deny the simple truths and ideas as some sort of sign of intellectual competence.
When we arrived at the event we were greeted by delighted Grewal volunteers and supporters. It's a similar reaction we get at any event: "wait...you guys actually care?... That's fantastic.... Keep at it! This is for you guys.... You are the future!.... This is great....", and so on. As much as these people were excited for their candidates chances to be mayor, they were excited about engaging in democracy. It is a value that we hold very dearly in this country, and a value we can share and defend together, no matter what our political choices, or personal backgrounds. It's simple, and this is the prototypical modern Canadian story, I'm glad to be among the privileged few who can write it.
Between the fantastic food, speeches from colleagues and supporters, and performers singing Punjabi folk songs, one could ascertain Mr. Gurjit Grewal was a highly regarded man, who had put in immense amounts of work to bridge communities across Canada's diverse landscape. His main speech was in Punjabi (in fairness to the majority of the audience), but our new amigo, Nicholos put in a word, and we were able to have a small discussion with Mr. Grewal afterwards to ask him a few question and get some background info.
He told us that he has been a Brampton resident for over 40 years. A practising property tax lawyer by day, he has been involved in Canadian politics since 1977. " A candidate was canvassing door to door in my area" he told us, "I liked his ideas, so I decided to get involved". Even though his choice of candidate did not win that election, the passion for political involvement was ignited in Mr. Grewal. By 1985 he was President of the Liberal Party of Canada in Brampton. "In those days Brampton only had one seat (in the house of commons), we made it Liberal after 37 years of Conservative rule." As we talked about his credentials and various accomplishments, Mr. Grewal presented himself as a reasonable, passionate, and qualified candidate who could perhaps accomplish his goal to "get Brampton moving". His intimate knowledge of property tax law could definitely help him address one of the big rage points of all Brampton residents, the ever increasing annual property taxes. When I asked him what could be a theoretical big change that could make a huge impact on Brampton, he responded with an idea of a new "express-way" connecting Brampton from east to west (highway 50 - Mississauga road, via Mayfield). A purely theoretical idea, but a valid one. Especially when one considers the chaotic congestion on the roads of Brampton during rush time and the lack of connection from one side of town to the other.
Among the more practical goals in his 4 year plan were:
- have the new Peel Memorial (hospital) completed in operational.
- HOV lane expansion of highway 410 completed and operational.
- A 2 year freeze on property taxes assessments
- A 20% reduction in Mayoral salary.
- Vastly increased transparency in the operations of city government.
Mr. Grewal is enough of a realist to understand the fact that in the picture of the Brampton election that the media is painting, Mr.Grewal was considered "a long shot" or "other candidate". Mr. Grewal assured us that the polls and media hype didn't tell the full story, and was supremely confident in his abilities to connect with enough people and win the election. "We have the hall booked next week for the victory party." He stated to the crowd. "We will win!".
We thanked him for his time and efforts and he quickly responded "...no, thank you for coming and getting involved! This is your future and your country. Please encourage your friends to come out and vote!"
Aware of the issues facing Brampton and having exposure to the brave souls who believe they can change things, I am very optimistic and excited for whoever will be the new Mayor of Brampton, assuming and praying it is indeed someone new! I'm calling it now, if Fennell wins, #BramptonRiots!
The really intriguing prospect for me in this election is: who is going to vote. Will our voter turnout increase after years of declines? Will disengaged young people and first time voters, step up to the plate and make a difference, or will we continue to assume "it doesn't' matter" and stay complaining on the sidelines? Will we engage in our own local communities, or continue to harbour fantasies of moving to the big city where the people are hip, the rents are high, and the leaders smoke crack? Will this post make any difference in encouraging anyone to vote? Can any one action really make that big of a change?
There are a lot of questions to be answered and discussions to be had all across the country. Young people are unfortunately missing out on a prime opportunity to get involved,and change the game. Even though it may not seem like it, youth is supremely valued in society, cause we are the future! We need people to immerse and familiarize themselves with politics, and to continue the legacy of the hard working people who make this society operate for all. Canada is changing, the times are changing. We need new voices and leaders. Young people already have influence, don't figure it out when its too late.
Elections are on Monday/ Oct/ 27/ 2014.
**jda out**
JDA was once voted least influential person in Brampton, but is still a #BramptonRises kinda guy! Follow him on twitter @Jibbyville or on Instagram if you bout that life.
#BramptonRises is a platform founded in 2012 to engage, connect,and inspire the new leaders of Brampton. Like us on facebook. Follow us on twitter. #BramptonRises for you and for me.
!!!Brampton election info!!!
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