The Pearson Centre was pleased to welcome the Hon Sergio Marchi for a conversation on his new book, Pursuing a Public Life: How to Succeed in the Political Arena. Sergio is a former community activist, city councillor, a Member of Parliament, and Minister for International Trade, Environment, and Citizenship and Immigration. After voluntarily leaving the political arena, he was appointed Canadian Ambassador to the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Agencies in Geneva.

Moderating our discussion was Sofia Robinson, The Pearson Centre's Research Assistant currently studying at UBC, and Neva Moffat, a recent UOttawa grad currently working at the House of Commons.

While the most recent election saw the most young people elected, there is still a need for more. Barely 3% of parliamentarians are under 30, which is not reflective of Canada. Sergio offered advice for these young, newly elected officials, having been only 28 when he was first elected to office.

When asked about work/life balance, he felt that today’s young people are better at this than his generation. He stressed the importance of being mindful of your own health, and mental health, and to remember that once a political career is over, your family and friends will still be there. He also offered advice on community involvement before entering politics, and the value in municipal government.

On social media, he stressed that it will never replace face-to-face contact. Extreme language results in extreme behaviour, and politicians need to be mindful of their words.

He also recognized that the path for women and young people in politics is more arduous than for men, as often they are not given winnable ridings in which to run. Political parties need to do better.

Finally, he said “don’t lose hope. Canada has a strong democracy, the rule of law, multiculturalism, and so much more”