David Gillies, Ontario Party candidate for Kitchener South-Hespeler always thought that voting would be the extent of his role in politics.
Events of the last decade have inspired him to step up and represent his party’s beliefs of freedom, family, and faith.
“I have my wife, four young kids, a new puppy, and two different jobs. And right now, I’m ready to do this,” Gillies said.
“I am driven to want to protect my family and I want to help others protect their families too.”
Gillies says he wants to see ‘community’ again.
“Today, when we use the word community, we use it very loosely. It’s more of a place or a thing,” Gillies said.
Gillies says he thinks with globalization, everyone needs to part of the process.
“The government should not be making a lot of decisions for us,” he said. “People should not be afraid to ask themselves, who are we voting for?”
“Often, we vote someone in, and they end up doing something different. For me, it’s about meeting the community where they are, and developing the community as a network of people who support each other.”
Gillies recently started his own landscaping business. He is also a part-time school bus driver. He lived in Toronto for a number of years before moving to Waterloo Region.
“I’ve worked at Christian Horizons, where I supported people with mental health issues, special needs, and their families. I saw that more supports are needed. I want to find real ways to help,” Gillies said.
“I also volunteered at Covenant House in Toronto. People from all over were dealing with issues such as mental health and drug abuse. These things are in my heart, and now I’m in a place where I want to implement change.”
Gillies says that today, some laws restrict the rights of people from a minority government that doesn’t make up half of the percentage of Canada.
Gillies believes in small government.
“I also believe in tax reduction. When you do reduce taxes, the economy rebounds. It’s simple,” he said.
After overcoming personal struggles, Gillies attended bible college.
“I go to church. My faith is always important. God was always there and made sure I was safe.” Gillies said.
Gillies says, as a candidate, knocking on doors has been a great experience.
“I’m easy going, and open and people are willing to talk to me. People have been engaging me in conversation and this is great because I learn from them too,” Gillies said.
“People want their vote to matter. And right now, they are feeling unheard.”
For Gillies, it’s about the freedom to choose.
“We need term limits and electoral reform. A single transferable vote is where I would take this. This allows every person to be represented. Now, with first past the post, it depends on ridings, not how many votes,” Gillies said.
“People might say they will fight for you. But you know what? I will serve you. This is my role.”
Gillies says he wants to help families succeed.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s about making family number one,” Gillies said.
“When family is cohesive, supported, and able to spend time together, that will have a ripple effect through the entire nation.”
