Nelligan

Michael Wilkinson

My journey began at the Lakeshore General Hospital in Pointe-Claire in 2001. Growing up as an only child encouraged me to build friendships and connect with people from all walks of life. It taught me to approach others with curiosity rather than judgment and to value perspectives different from my own. Over time, that curiosity expanded beyond personal relationships and became a desire to better understand how Quebecers and Canadians live, work, and build society together. A defining moment in my life came when I was 16 years old at Loyola High School. As part of a humanitarian trip, many of us in Secondary IV travelled to Consuelo in the Dominican Republic, where I lived with a local family for a week. Before arriving, I expected the challenges of poverty to dominate daily life. Instead, what stood out most was the strength of the community. Despite significant socioeconomic hardship, I found people who were welcoming, optimistic, and deeply connected to one another. I came to believe that this sense of community helped people face adversity with resilience and hope. Returning to Canada, I began to notice that although we enjoy tremendous prosperity, many people feel increasingly disconnected from one another. That realization inspired my interest in politics because I came to believe that the ultimate purpose of government is to unite people around our common goals and help solve the common challenges that affect us all. After graduating from John Abbott College, I enrolled at Bishop’s University, where I earned a degree in International Political Economy. My studies explored the relationship between economics, politics, and public policy, while courses in business, sociology, and history broadened my understanding of the many issues that shape our society. Rather than specializing in a single field, I wanted to become a well-rounded thinker who could understand problems from multiple perspectives and engage thoughtfully with people from different backgrounds. That foundation proved invaluable when I represented Bishop’s University at the National Model United Nations in New York City. Working alongside my partner, I negotiated with delegates from around the world, built consensus, and defended positions on complex international issues. At the conclusion of the conference, we were honoured to receive the Best Delegate award. The experience reinforced the importance of preparation, collaboration, respectful dialogue, and finding common ground, even among people with very different views. Today, at 25 years old, I am proud to stand as the Canadian Party of Quebec’s candidate in Nelligan. I believe politics should bring people together rather than divide them. We face real challenges, including the rising cost of living, access to healthcare, protecting our fundamental freedoms, and ensuring Quebec remains a place where families and businesses can thrive. These challenges deserve practical solutions that unite us instead of pitting us against one another. I believe our identity is defined not by our language, religion, or culture, but by our actions and our shared commitment to one another. My goal is to help build a Quebec that is more united, more prosperous, and more welcoming for everyone who calls it home.