Bonnie Briggs
Toronto, ON
Bonnie was picked by juror Desmond Cole for her unwavering commitment to end homelessness in her city. Read Bonnie's full nomination.
"Bonnie fought tirelessly for the most basic needs of Torontonians, and did so mostly out of the spotlight. She was an incredible woman and I would be so glad to see her honoured in this way."
– Desmond Cole
Jennifer Keay
Whitecourt, AB
Jennifer was picked by juror Preston Manning for educating the next generation of Canadians about democracy by leading Student Vote parallel elections. Read Jennifer's full nomination.
“Democracy provides people with the freedom to advocate and advance their particular interest and cause. But democracy is much more than that - it provides processes (free elections) and institutions (democratic assemblies) for advancing those interests and causes subject to their adherents being able to carry the judgment of a majority or at least a plurality of their fellow citizens… I feel that the Everyday Political Citizen should be someone who works to represent and advance democracy at this general and more fundamental level rather than someone who uses democracy primarily to advance their particular interest or cause, worthy as that cause may be. Hence, my nomination is for Jennifer, who works through Student Vote to encourage students to study and experience democracy at this more general level via election engagement and participation.”
– Preston Manning
Naheed was picked by juror Buffy Childerhose for addressing structural issues that affect low-income residents like herself and her family. Read Naheed's full nomination.
"I am nominating Naheed because as a new Canadian she has taken on the mantle of a citizen as much more than a legal designation; for her is is a calling. Her participation in her community and her work to address structural and immediate practical issues that disproportionately affect women, newcomers and children is deeply inspiring. As a woman who has only been in this country for six years, is on ODSP and is a single mum raising four children, Naheed is a stirring reminder that we all have the capacity to affect social and political change."
– Buffy Childerhose
Lorelei Williams
Vancouver, BC
Lorelei was picked by juror Matt Price for her use of art and community engagement to address issues of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Read Lorelei's full nomination.
"I wanted to shortlist so many people, but Lorelei stood out for me not just because her use of creativity and art to address issues of tragedy and justice, but also because she does it all as a single mom. Thank you Lorelei, and thank you to all the nominees for your work to make your community better."
– Matt Price
Brenda Bronfman
Bradford, ON
Brenda was picked by juror Jen Sungshine for advocating for animal justice through founding Wishing Well Sanctuary farm. Read Brenda's full nomination.
"I choose Brenda because her work in animal justice reminds us what it means to tend to, and sustain eco-systematic communities with care, reciprocity and compassion. We cannot simply be engaged as everyday political citizens with anthropocentric blinders on, placing human as its core. Instead, Brenda teaches us to cultivate a worldview that encompasses all living things as relational, politicized, and worthy of our care."
– Jen Sungshine
Mary Beth Wighton
Southampton, ON
Mary Beth was picked by juror Senator André Pratte for using her personal experience with dementia to empower and advocate for others. Read Mary Beth's full nomination.
"Mary Beth is a true inspiration for all Canadians. She has transformed a tragic personal experience into action to improve the lives of others, thereby demonstrating that she is a uniquely courageous and effective Everyday Political Citizen."
– Senator André Pratte
Zeinab Mohamed
Ottawa, ON
Zeinab was picked by juror Nam Kiwanuka for starting a community homework club that provides both educational assistance and mentorship. Read Zeinab's full nomination.
"The reason that I chose Zeinab is she's planting the seeds for the future with the homework club she runs. When she founded the club it was only for the kids in her building and now with the help of 11 volunteers, Zeinab helps 20 kids twice a week with their homework. Zeinab recognised the potential of these students and by investing in the club with her own time, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her community. And that's what I think exemplifies an Everyday Political Citizen."
– Nam Kiwanuka
Marc Hull-Jacquin
Toronto, ON
Marc was picked by juror Ed the Sock for creating a non-for-profit service that provides victims of domestic abuse with emotional and physical support. Read Marc's full nomination.
"I chose Marc Hull-Jacquin because he sees that problems like domestic abuse are like a Magic Eye poster - the closer you get, the more you see they're made up of lots of components that get lost when looking at the big picture."
– Ed the Sock, Juror
Joseph Briggs
Scarborough, ON
Joseph was picked by juror Naomi Sayers for seeking justice when targeted by anti-Black racism. Read Joseph's full nomination.
"It takes such courage and strength to bring forth a human rights claim, let alone a claim against a police force. Joseph's story is a reminder that the people who are tasked with enforcing the law, like police, do not always do so within the bounds of the law but that it is possible to seek justice in other ways. He is an Everyday Political Citizen because of his commitment to seeking justice when he experienced injustice."
– Naomi Sayers