Political Perspectives
Story appeared in the 2019 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY HAYLEY PICARD, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
ALUMNI ZAYGE KLEIN (‘16)
“Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and who would preserve what is good and fruitful in our national heritage.”
As part of the Carleton University delegation to the WiMUN in New York in 2015, Zayge and her team won best large delegation against universities from around the world.
The word politics creates a different visceral response in each person who hears it. For some, the word can trigger passionate feelings in relation to national or regional issues and inspire healthy discourse, while for others, the complexity of the system can be overwhelming, bringing mixed emotions of frustration or discontent. For alumni Zayge Klein (‘16), the word has been an inspiring mantra that has driven her through years of studying the Canadian system in an effort to find where she fits best, and ultimately, where she can make a positive difference.
“I think it started in Grade 8,” explains Zayge. “My teacher was passionate about student council and she got me interested in world issues. Yet, my passion for politics didn’t really solidify until I came to QMS—Mrs. Alison O’Marra-Armstrong was amazing.”
For Zayge, the opportunity to really sink her teeth into political discourse came with her participation in the Model United Nations in Grade 12. Her very first position paper secured her a ticket to the national forum in Ottawa. “That experience opened every single door for me,” says Klein. “I decided then that I wanted to go to university in Ottawa, because of all the people I met and all the connections I made.” With her foundation established, Zayge continued to pursue international relations activities with the Model UN as part of the planning team conference while studying at Carleton University.
Zayge Klein with Justin Trudeau
Throughout her time in post-secondary, this passionate political advocate sampled all levels of government in an effort to understand how each operated, assess her fit, and ultimately discover which area of government satiated her thirst for giving back to Canada.
During her work experience with MP Lloyd Longfield in the Liberal caucus, Zayge met Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while learning about the divisions of federal government responsibilities. “I was surprised to see how different members of parliament help each other on everything—everyone talks and assists by sharing information,” reveals Zayge. “I found it fulfilling, and if I had stayed, I would have enjoyed working with immigrants and their families when they plead their case to the MP or Minister of Justice. I saw some of it happen, and it was amazing to witness how we as humans can help each other.”
As much as Zayge enjoyed working for Longfield, who she credits with encouraging her personal development and providing her with a partisan perspective in Guelph, the federal caucus didn’t feel quite right. “My political views don’t fall within a single party,” she laughs. Experiencing governance at the municipal level was next on her list.
Through the Public Affairs and Policy Management internship program at Carleton University, Zayge secured a position working for the Mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson, for six months. The unique posting allowed Zayge another way to see politics in action. “At the federal level you never see anyone, but at the municipal level I was exposed to so much more. The job gave me a different view point and real life knowledge and experience,” she explains. “Ultimately, I discovered that I really didn’t enjoy politics from that side of the fence. I now wanted the United Nations as my dream job. I was the kind of person who had always known what I wanted, so this was a reality check that things can change and that’s ok. It was for the better.”
“Say yes to everything! There is no experience too small, such as volunteering, becoming involved in clubs or even going for a coffee with someone. You never know where a connection will take you.Try new things, make friends, and build new relationships and it will take you far.”
Never one to say no to opportunities presented to her, Zayge leapt at the chance to move back to Vancouver Island after graduation to work for a small lobbyist firm specializing in services to communities and organizations who want to undertake social, cultural, resource and economic development. With Strategies North, Zayge has discovered a fresh cultural perspective that has deeply affected her.
“We do grant and proposal writing for First Nations communities and I’ve learned so much. Growing up on the Island I was peripherally aware of the issues these communities faced, but I wasn’t directly involved,” says Klein. “Now I’m here and it is heart breaking, yet I feel the work I do is so fulfilling.”
“For many First Nations communities in BC, there are no contingency funds. So, when a grant application takes up to nine months for federal or provincial approval, it means abject poverty for families in these communities. The government cannot get its head around the impact of delays to funding. I’m super excited to see the political paradigm shift happening right now in BC. With the Green Party winning the seat in Nanaimo, it will have serious ramifications for BC’s First Nations.”
Zayge’s political path has revealed the additional perk of being able to integrate her passion for the environment. From working with Aanwatin, an Indigenous carbon offset initiative in Ontario, to the Indigenous Green Economy Conference in Vancouver, this alumni has worked hard to stay true to her personal beliefs while creating new life connections in a politically diverse country. Her advice to younger peers?