Black Excellence in Politics

University of Waterloo EC5 Building 305 Phillip St, Waterloo, ON N2L 3W8

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

6:00 PM

Free

Hosted on Martin Luther King Jr. day, and the day before Lincoln Alexander Day, this event brings leaders from federal, provincial, and municipal offices into direct conversation with Black youth. Without the podiums or stages. Face to face. Personal connections and true engagement with our amazing community leaders like yourself. Your presence will shape those conversations and show clear support for the next generation.

The program highlights the history of Black participation in Canadian politics and the impact of Black leadership across institutions. The evening also features culture, delicious food, and community celebration.

Special guests include:

  • Greg Fergus, MP for Hull–Aylmer
  • Arielle Kayabaga, MP for London West
  • Fares Al Soud, MP for Mississauga Centre
  • Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo
  • Karim Bardeesy, MP Taiaiako’n–Parkdale–High Park
  • Nate Erskine-Smith, MP for Beaches–East York
  • Karina Gould, MP for Burlington
  • Tim Louis, MP for Kitchener–Conestoga
  • Frank Baylis, former MP for Pierrefonds–Dollard
  • Valerie Bradford, former MP for Kitchener–South Hespeler
  • Bryan May, former MP for Cambridge
  • Rob Cerjanec, MPP for Ajax
  • Lee Fairclough, MPP for Etobicoke–Lakeshore
  • Kathryn McGarry, President of the Ontario Liberal Party
  • Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener
  • Colleen James, Region of Waterloo Councillor
  • Brian Adeba, past federal Liberal candidate in Kitchener Centre in 2025
  • Ismail Mohamed, past Ontario Liberal candidate in Kitchener South–Hespeler in 2022 and 2025
  • Clayton Moore, past Ontario Liberal candidate in Waterloo in 2025
  • Mike Crawley, past President of the Liberal Party of Canada

If you plan to attend, please register here.