Biography
Having an educational background with McMaster in Political Science with a specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies. Previously working with non-profit organizations across Hamilton and the Niagara Region to provide stakeholder relations, Joshua is now working with Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) within the Nutrition/Diet Services Department for the Eating Disorder and Child and Youth Mental Health Unit.
For the last 6 years, he has been active in our community working with members from all parties and different non-profits and organizations to ensure that healthcare services, mental health resources and education, and public policy changes are made so that a better life for everyone can be delivered. Some key successes to highlight include:
- Drafting a recommendation report that was adopted by the City of Hamilton's Suicide Prevention Community Council (HSPCC) and presented to the Hamilton Chief Health Officer that provides key insights into how our new city suicide prevention strategy should look like and what its goals should be.
- Working with the World Health Organization and our Canadian Delegation to highlight and advise on policy changes for global health concerns. These are meetings that I take part in yearly that are followed by their presentation to the General Assembly and World Health Organization Executive Committee at the United Nations.
- Advised and heavily advocated for the implementation and operations of the National 988 Crisis Line that came into use in November 2023. This included meeting with over 250 elected officials and organizations in a 7-month period to set out the need for this line and its positive impacts if implemented.
In addition to these successes, he has also been a sitting member of the National Advisory Council for the National Initiative for Eating Disorders, and Co-Chair of the National Advisory Council for the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. Leading a team of 85+ people, we have a mission that has successfully delivered change within our healthcare and mental health sectors for people of all ages through drafting policy, meeting with our elected officials, and conducting research.
Sitting on our City of Hamilton Youth Steering Committee, he has worked to ensure greater engagement from all residents across our city with city services, resources, and public services (such as our Hamilton Public Libraries) while also advising on matters of the city budget, community health and safety strategy, how to engage with other groups and organizations, and providing input into all things across the city as needed or requested by Council and city staff.
Coming from a family with strong ties to teaching and education, he understands that our children are not getting the support that they need in our schools, and our teachers and educational support staff are not either.
Having a proven track record of being able to meet with members of our community and affected stakeholders, and deliver real tangible change that has a positive impact, Joshua remains committed to our community and is determined to make the changes needed to reverse the damage done to our public healthcare system, education system, and more by our current PC government and deliver more for you when it matters most.
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