The Gibson Decision: Reflections on Homelessness and Our Rights
Justice Gibson’s ruling on the 100 Victoria encampment is a good one, but it’s not the end of this story. It’s another milestone in the reckoning over homelessness in Waterloo Region, because it won’t solve homelessness. Courts simply can’t do that. It reminds us that people have rights, whether they have shelter or not. People are not a planning inconvenience or a public relations problem. “The homeless are not Other. They are Us. They are rights bearers no less entitled tha
May 253 min read
Sometimes Better Just Means Worse
If you skim the headlines, it can feel like more of the same: another bill, another review, another “streamlining” of how our cities and schools are run. But put the pieces together and a clear picture emerges: Queen’s Park is steadily pulling more power up and away from local communities. In the last year, the Ford government has taken the extraordinary step of sending provincial supervisors into multiple school boards sidelining trustees voters actually elected. At the same
Nov 28, 20254 min read
Remarks on a Vacancy
Update: Summer 2025 After I had given this delegation and left the meeting, the council decided how to fill the vacancy. They’ve chosen a middle ground that, in my view, achieves much of what I recommended. The details can be found here . Inclusion . The process allows for the consideration of more possibilities than just those that were on the ballot in 2022. Life circumstances change, and individual priorities change. Critical Reflection . Regional Council will actively co
Aug 6, 20255 min read
I'm Ready to Serve on Regional Council
A few late summers thoughts on how this went... I didn't win. I put forward my best effort to show that I was the best candidate. To...
Aug 6, 20258 min read
Democracy, Disinformation, and the Fight for Our Future
A few weeks ago, as the world marked World Environment Day in Ottawa, David Suzuki said this: “My grandchildren face extinction.” In four words, he named what many of us feel but often struggle to say aloud. We are not in a slow crisis. We are in a sprint to collapse. And for any that think of climate change as an abstract problem, Suzuki made sure we understand that this is about the futures of the people we love. But he didn’t stop there. “ I don’t know how we move forward
Jul 10, 20254 min read
Vote! Vote! Vote! Vote! Vote!
Hi! I'm Simon, and I’m running to be your next Member of Parliament. We are at a real turning point right now — and what happens in this election will shape our future for years to come. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. And the truth is, every election is decided by the people who show up. I’m stepping up because I believe we need leaders who are present in our community, who listen, and who aren't afraid to push for real solutions to the challenges we’re all facing. Fr
Apr 27, 20251 min read
16-Year-Olds have Earned Their Voice
It's time we extend voting rights to 16-year-olds. While it may initially seem radical, when examined closely, it becomes clear that...
Apr 21, 20252 min read
