Farheen Alim, the NDP candidate for Etobicoke-Lakeshore and a dedicated educator, shares her journey into politics and her perspectives on some of the most pressing issues facing Ontario today.

Farheen opens up about her experience as a teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a candid reflection on the challenges faced by both educators and students as they navigated an unprecedented crisis in education.

Farheen delves into how the pandemic not only reshaped the classroom but also exposed systemic weaknesses in Ontario's education system—issues like underfunding, a lack of resources, and the pressures placed on teachers and students alike. Drawing from her own experience teaching in the midst of the pandemic, Farheen discusses the emotional and psychological toll it took on students, teachers, and families. She talks about the creative ways educators adapted, the resilience of students, and the need for better support systems to ensure that future generations are better equipped to handle crises like COVID-19.

The experience of teaching through the pandemic, she shares, deeply influenced her decision to run for public office. Farheen explains how she realized that the issues facing her students and colleagues—issues that were often dismissed or overlooked by politicians—needed to be addressed at a policy level. She shares her belief that meaningful change in education and beyond requires a strong voice in government, one that advocates for the needs of everyday people, not just those at the top.

The conversation also delves into the key issues that are central to Farheen's campaign in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, including the affordability crisis, electoral reform, and the importance of diversity in politics. Farheen offers a passionate argument for tackling the affordability crisis, emphasizing the rising cost of living and the challenges families face in securing affordable housing, healthcare, and education. She stresses that the government must take bold action to address these issues, not just through short-term relief, but with long-term policies aimed at economic justice and equity.

Electoral reform is another central theme of the discussion, with Farheen advocating for a more democratic and representative political system. She calls for reforms that would give more power to the people, ensuring that elections reflect the true will of the electorate and not just the interests of the political establishment.

Finally, Farheen addresses the critical need for diversity in politics, both within political parties and in the broader political discourse. As a woman of color and a teacher, Farheen highlights the importance of bringing underrepresented voices to the table, particularly those from marginalized communities, to ensure that policies reflect the needs of all Ontarians. She shares her personal experiences of navigating a political landscape that has often lacked diversity and inclusion, and her vision for a more equitable and representative political future.

This interview provides a powerful look at the intersection of education, policy, and activism, offering an inspiring example of how one individual can transform their frustrations with the status quo into action for change.