Pamela McCarthy for Trustee

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In 1977 I was born in down town Toronto to a 17 year old single mother.  We lived in government housing on government financial assistance. My mother did her best with the money we had.

Public school was my second home and some teachers were great.

 I clearly remember the embarrassing feeling of being too poor to go on school trips or join the milk program.

For this reason I am deeply committed to insure that our schools are a safe, healthy and an inclusive second homes to all students no matter their ethnicity or financial situations.

I am of  Irish and Italian decent. 

My husband of 17 years is part indigenous born in Montréal.

My extended family and friends are diverse in ethnicity, religion, learning differences, disabilities and sexuality.  So when I fight for anti-racism and inclusivity it comes from a deeply personal place.

As a mother, a teacher, a trained nurse and a financial educator and planner for families, I have spent most of my life working to help educate both children and adults.  I have witnessed firsthand how our education system can fail our children, leaving them feeling lost and excluded, fearful for their safety, and I have seen how it can be a great benefit where children are excited to go to school every day and learn.  

Using these experiences, I feel that we can address the imbalances and get our education system where it needs to be.  Our children are our future and I am ready to work to make it brighter for all.

With two children, 12 and 15, I have been a part of the school community for a long time.  I have been on parent councils, organized fundraisers, helped with snack programs, chaperoned field trips and participated in many other activities.

I have a background in mental health nursing, teaching and financial literacy education.

I was a volunteer head coach for my son's ice hockey team, and the head coach of my daughter's soccer team. Currently I am a certified trainer for my daughter's ice hockey team.

I have also volunteered with Big Brothers and Sisters of Canada and Beauty Nights - a program helping women in shelters.

I have sat on the board of directors for a condominium association. I bring that experience of formal board procedure with me.

My nursing background has  made me a strong patient advocate. I take the role of advocate very seriously and I plan to use my skills to advocate for educators and students.