Episode 5 of Ellected is a thoughtful conversation between Arielle and Sarah, on the impact of Covid on their physical health, campaigning with her son, the impacts of hearing a woman speak about her loss at a Black Lives Matter demonstration on her son, and an image captured in that moment later shared by Michelle Obama, and her transition from London City Council to running for a seat in the House of Commons.

Arielle Kayabaga’s family left her home country of Burundi, in the midst of a civil war. Arriving in Canada, Arielle faced many of the challenges inherent in most new Canadian stories; insecure housing, precarious employment, and unfamiliar systems to navigate. She went on to become one of 29 young Canadians selected to represent the nation’s youth at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 16).

Arielle was elected as city councillor for London, Ontario’s Ward 13 in 2018, and is currently seeking the nomination to be the Liberal Party of Canada’s candidate in London West.

Balancing her roles as a single mother, City Councillor, community activist and passionate city builder, Arielle’s story is one of breaking barriers, overcoming adversity, and defying expectations.