Shazia Razi on Facebook Shazia Razi
Biography
When I moved to Labrador in 2012, I didn't want to stay more than 3 years. 13 years later, this place is both my home and has my heart and soul. My daughter was a month old when we moved here and my two boys were born here. My children and I love this place and every resident of Labrador West is my people and I absolutely love my people.
In 2021, I was elected as the first member of the minority community to be ever elected to a Municipal Office in NL. I will always give the credit to the progressive people of Wabush, who loved beyond my skin colour and put their trust in me. I have always put my constituents first. That's the reason why over the past four years on Wabush Town Council, I’ve worked hard to raise critical issues affecting everyone in our community, like the shortage of housing, retention of doctors, and childcare.
In my first year, I pushed Council and wrote to the provincial government to advocate for paving Highway 500 between Wabush and Labrador City. I’ve also been a strong advocate for reinstating the Early Childhood Education program at CNA, hoping to ease the shortage of ECEs in our region. I’ve consistently called for a public transit system in Labrador West to support seniors and newcomers. I have pushed to start remote teaching programs to reduce the shortage of teachers in remote areas which was finally announced by MUN this year.
I will continue to support and stand with the workers of Labrador West and the unions that protect their rights, ensure their safety, and fight tirelessly for fair wages and working conditions. I have been very vocal about my stance against fly in/fly out workers. I will continue to push to hire locals. In every way both as a resident and Councillor, I’ve worked to promote Labrador West and push for the improvements our community deserves.
I want to help pave the way for women who’ve been told they can’t, for immigrants who feel politics may not be for them, and for anyone who thinks their voice doesn’t belong in the political process. And, more importantly, I want to stand up and represent the residents of Labrador West, who deserve to be heard by their government. The one thing I can promise "my people" of Labrador West is I will fight like a solider for you because I truly believe we deserve better!
Reason for running
With my degree in political science and my council background, I believe that I can be a strong, educated, reasonable voice for Labrador. My experience with working with the government and with the various not for profit organizations have put me in a unique position to understand the issues that matter the most to Labradorians, present solutions and work to better our communities.
As an immigrant I also believe that representation matters and I want to represent communities that are often marginalized. I can be a passionate voice for our diverse population, like our women, immigrants and gender diverse communities. I am running in election because I believe I have the knowledge and the skill set to represent all, carrying the values of NDP.