On this episode we talk with Dan Carter, the Mayor of Oshawa Ontario. Mayor Carter has lived a remarkable life and has discovered a love of public service. His journey will make you rethink what is possible.
On this episode we talk with Dan Carter, the Mayor of Oshawa Ontario. Mayor Carter has lived a remarkable life and has discovered a love of public service. His journey will make you rethink what is possible.
Welcome to this episode of Talking Rotary. I'm Peter Tonge and I'm a member of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg Charleswood. And I am Mandy was the past president and also a member of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Charles when we are so happy you have joined us here and I are so excited for this new podcast and thankful to our many listeners. Let's start Talking Rotary! This is Peter Tonge, from Talking Rotary. I'm joined on this episode with my guest co host, Randy Nickerson from the Rotary Club of Oshawa. You may remember, Randy, from our episode in season one, photography and making community connections. If you haven't given it a listen, please go back and do so you'll be glad you did. Really, we just had a great interview with Dan Carter, the mayor of Oshawa, I can tell you somebody that you're really close to tell me a little bit about Dan. Well, meeting Dan, put your faith back in the political process. He's, he's just one of these trustworthy guys. And I don't know anybody who hasn't gotten to know Him that doesn't get emotional every time he talks. I happen to cover an event that he did at a church where he just did this 30 minute
Randy Nickerson:of his life. But it it's a sad story, but it wasn't done in a sad way. And people that can do that. They're they're special people. And I have I can't talk enough about him. I mean, he's just a really good man.
Peter Tonge:That that came through very much. And I think our listeners are very much going to enjoy what he has to say he has an incredible story. He really does. And,
Randy Nickerson:you know, he just touched on it a little bit. But to think about that, to not be able to read or write at the age of 30. And to become the mayor of Washoe with like a 70% approval rating. I mean, it's incredible. Yeah, that's really, really an incredible journey. And I'm glad he was able to share it with us. Yeah, and that's the that's that's the other point, right? Like, he's just a guy. Just a guy talking to us, right? Like, I mean, amazing. Yeah, absolutely. Hi, everyone. This is Peter Tonge, welcome to another episode of talking rotary. I am here with my guest co host, Randy Nickerson.
Peter Tonge:We're talking to Dan Carter, the mayor of Oshawa. Hi, Dan, how are you?
Dan Carter:I'm doing great, Peter, how are you?
Peter Tonge:I'm really well. So as I was saying, this podcast goes all over the world. So can you help us figure out where Oshawa is?
Dan Carter:Well, it's a little bit further away from Winnipeg, let me put it that way. We're in the province of Ontario. Ottawa is east of the city of Toronto, about 55 kilometers. We're known as an automotive Center. This is where General Motors Canada started. So many people will be able to relate to that. But we're on the shores of Lake Ontario about 55 kilometers east of the great city of Toronto. And of course, we cover about 150 kilometers, square kilometers and we're a community of about 175,000 people and growing. Wow, and and General Motors is one thing that I was known for what other things might people know about or what might nice want to be known for? Well, I guess a big part of it is if you're a hockey fan at all you have to you have to understand that the Oxbow generals have a long, long history here. One of the best known hockey teams I think across Canada we've had players like Eric lindros are displayed here. Of course, john divaris are the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs have been here. A lot of players that are in the NHL, of course, have started their hockey career with Yahshua generals and so we're really well known across the country for our dedication to hockey to automobiles, into education.
Peter Tonge:There you go. Now what made you want to be Mayor?
Dan Carter:Well that's a really hard question to answer. I mean, first and foremost, whenever you're called to public service, I think having the opportunity to servein a public role, I think there's a period in your life that all of us may be called. And I think having the opportunity to be able to first serve as a regional and city councilor for four years, and then having the opportunity to be the mayor, it comes down to is, you know, your love of service you you love to serve the community, you believe that your experience,you know, will add value to the people of your community, and you hope that the skills, the abilities, and the gifting that you've been given, is really something that you can contribute to your community. But I always say to people, if you're going to do public service, try and get into the community for in service one way or another, get involved with rotary get involved in volunteerism, really get to know your community. And I think it gives you a great understanding of what your community not only the makeup, but some of the hurdles, hardships and challenges.
Randy Nickerson:Dan, I, you know, I really miss our monthly breakfasts where we would solve the problems of the world, and thanks to COVID. So I'm gonna ask you a really hard question. And that is, what's your most important achievement as mayor? And then I want to know what it is personally for you?
Dan Carter:Oh, boy, that is a very difficult question. I mean, if I if I had to look back and really think about the journey that we've been on three years, think about it. Three days prior to me coming into office, General Motors have 110 year history here made an announcement that they were closing. And that was devastating for our community, not only for those that work on the line, but also those that also worked in the parks and resorts, facilities all across the city. So that was pretty significant coming into it. And then, of course, we've been in 20 months almost, of a pandemic. And that's been unbelievable. And now, we're seeing other challenges that we're seeing, of course of unsheltered individuals that are suffering with addiction. And we're seeing that all across the country. So I would say that, that, you know, there's a, there's a lot of different things, I think, one is that I'm really proud of our team at the city, and how we've been able to conduct ourselves in regards to the opiate crisis. Not only here, not only what we've done today, but what we continue to do on a daily basis, I'm really proud of our team of how we've been able to address this historical moment of you know, this pandemic really come together, make sure that the services are continuing to be delivered, and that we continue to be able to deliver the services. But I would have to say that one of the things that I'm really proud about is how we were able to work with General Motors in regards to not only their investment, their initial investment after their announcement that they were closing and 2500 jobs are going to be gone and, you know, a history of 110 years, but I was really proud that we were able to first keep the conversation going so that we were able to get $170 million investment in into our plant, when they were closing down, that brought an autonomous track a test track in our in, in general motors, and it's, it's it really works really well with our post secondary educational partners. And that I'm really proud about the conversations that continued not only with unifor, but with General Motors, and really seeing that wonderful day last November where they made the announcement that they were returning to the production line in and I'll be honest, you know, being at the front end of the downsizing and seeing all those jobs lost, working with General Motors working with the provincial and federal government working with the union, and really seeing that investment come back in our city, I would have to say that, you know, I'm really proud of everybody that was engaged in that, and I'm really proud of the small role that I played. But I do believe I learned a great deal of it out, Randy, I think it was there was a lot of anger and frustration in the community about, you know, that making this business decision. And I was, I was committed right from the very beginning. Stay positive, keep the conversation going, continue to meet with GM. Find out what else are there opportunities were there? How do we how do we get them still engaged in our community? And I think the relationship I've had with David Patterson, Scott Bell, Travis has and of course, you know, Steve Carlyle, that's now the Vice President of General Motors, North America played played a role in regards to them understanding the importance of what we do here. The men and women that build our automobiles in this community are incredible individuals, and they are dedicated, they're innovators, and they pivot really, really well and that's where our competitive edge is. I would have to say that that's probably one of my proudest moments, but you know, then I have to say your outlook on the long game is most impressive to me. And, you know, you walked into a fire's nest, I mean, new mayor. I mean, you've been a counselor, but new mayor, and you've had to deal with COVID. And, you know, all of these really major things that I first time mayor has not had to deal with. And I have to say, I'm proud of the way you've handled all of it. Well, I really appreciate that, Randy, because as you know, and I think you know, me pretty well, by now, I never want to let my community down. I depend upon us being optimistic and hopeful about what waits for us. It's those talks that sometimes that you and I have had to be when you know that I've had a rough kind of couple of weeks. It's funny how you reach out and say, you know, it's time for breakfast, why don't we get together? And I think that, you know, that kind of encouragement goes a long way. It really helps. And especially today, when it is so, you know, being in political office, there seems to be a lot of anger and frustration built up. And politicians seem to be at the very front end of it. So you know what, I, I'm still optimistic today. I'm still very proud of my community. I believe our best days are always in front of us, never behind us. And I'm optimistic about where we go. Somebody said to me one time, they said, What are the keys to you to this level of your success? And I said two things. Well, there's really four things, but I said, ignorance and enthusiasm Really? Yeah. That, you know, just not knowing how difficult something is. It just began physiologic say, Yeah, let's do that.
Peter Tonge:So, yeah, I think you just described our podcast perfectly. Exactly how it started.
Unknown:possibilities are all around us.
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Peter Tonge:Now, you touched on this briefly, but I know homelessness is really important to you. So can you talk to me a little bit more about that?
Dan Carter:Yeah, I mean, it's something that of course, because of my background, and because of some of the struggles that I had in my own personal life, both through addiction and mental health challenges, but also experiencing homelessness and poverty. I think it really resonates with me, and I really, I really am, I'll be honest with you, Peter, I'm, I'm frustrated because I want to fix it. And I want it to be better, and I want everybody to be housed. And, you know, it's been a frustrating journey for me, but I still look at it as I truly believe in my heart of hearts, those individuals that are suffering, either with addiction or mental health, those that are living rough, those that don't have a place to call their own. We're a great country. And I'm I'm I'm convinced that we have the skills, the abilities, the giftings, the talents, the education and the people to be able to address this national issue. It's not just an Oshawa issue, it's not just a Toronto issue. Peter on Winnipeg, you know, well, aware of the struggles that Winnipeg has been going through, I've got friends in Ottawa that I just spoke to, in regards to their challenges that they're facing there. And I was just on something called a political blind date with Patrick Brown, and the mayor of Brampton. And and we were talking about the struggles in both of our communities. But I think it just comes down to is always remember that it doesn't matter if the individual is 15 years old, or 55 years old. There's somebody's kid. And I think their parents would want me to do everything I possibly could to reach their child to be able to assist them. So we've tried a lot of different approaches. And I've spoken to people all across the country. And one of the calls that I've got right now, Peter, just to let you know is I have asked our federal leaders, not only to have a national conversation about homelessness and about about those that are suffering, but we also need to have a conversation about what the opiate crisis has done to our country, and that we truly are seeing that opiate crisis continue to explode and the domino effect that it is having. So having the personal experiencing, having the experience of going through it myself as an addict, as somebody that has experienced, you know, periods of homelessness, I think what happens is it makes you very passionate about it. The problem being is I think everybody looks at me and says, well, then you should you've got the experience you should be able to fix it. You know, I sent this in an interview just recently and I hope you'll allow me just a little bit of leniency here curse. I still remember one of the people that I look up to. And Randy knows this from visiting my office is Martin Luther King. Not only was a great orator, not only was he a wonderful leader, he was a broken individual and imperfect. So I really like imperfect, broken individuals. So when brock obama got elected, when I looked at Brock Obama, I saw Martin Luther King. And I think what happened was, I looked at Barack Obama and said, he's gonna do the same thing as what kingdom and it was unrealistic. And,you know, it was unfair, you know, I expected this, this this wonderful, you know, kind of wave of racial equality, you know, going out the door, and people coming together and being inspired and bringing it into the best and, and it didn't work out. And I think at the same time, when people know, my background, it's good and bad, because I think that they look at it and say, you know, what it's like, but I still have a role as the mayor of this great city to govern, which means we have to make tough decisions, we have to do things that people, especially when we're dealing with unsheltered or, or people that are living rough, they don't agree with but I have to do what the right thing is. We have the public. So it's it's complicated, right, then I mean, it and that's what you learn is that everything is complicated. And sometimes when you think it's an easy choice, it's actually a polarizing choice to write. Yeah. So yeah. Now, you know, you have some good stats, in your approach to helping homeless people. Now you want to just talk a little bit about the positive things that you've done in the community? Yeah. So you know, weed, there's a whole bunch of different things that we've done to be able to kind of look at this unique challenge. One is, I knew from, from my experiences that one of the things you have to do is you have to build trust with those that are living rough. So one of the biggest things is that I brought in over three and a half years ago, a program called the PC op program, the paramedic outreach program, and it's a paramedic and a social worker that work mobile, and they go into areas where people are living rough, or where individuals are struggling on the streets, and they connect with them. So they build that that kind of trust off. That was one of our first things that we did over three and a half years ago. Then throughout the pandemic, what happened was all of the agencies, especially many of the volunteer organizations that were doing feeding and outreach for those that are facing poverty, are they all closed down because they were they were being served by people that were seniors and people that were in the most vulnerable places when COVID head and so that that kind of service disappeared. So in April of 2020, in the early days of COVID, we supported what's called that mission united, which is a hub in downtown that has Ontario Works, which is a place where people can get cash benefits. Ontario Disability, is there a doctor a nurse, meals are distributed, transportation is provided. clothing is provided. outreach workers are working there. So we're doing some great things that happened out of the hub. And then in April, May of last year, we were able to start a program called iotc out of the coal program in north in the North Coronavirus Xuan in a camp area which was called Camp Samak. And we were able to House about 100 individuals. And it was in a secure location that cabins, it was it was staffed 24 hours a day, we had people cutting hair, we had meals that were being prepared, we had counselors on the place. And we really, there it was 00 tolerance when it came to substance abuse or any type of violence at all. And we really saw that program doing some incredible things. And we were able to house over 100 individuals. And that's been great. We started a program called welcoming streets, another outreach team to make connections with those that are that are that are living rough and those that are homeless. And the reality being is is that we've housed over 300 individuals since September of 2020. Up till now in this September, and we're proud about that. But the problem being is our capacity is getting to a point where the City of Oshawa just can't handle the capacity issue. And this isn't about compassion. This is about capacity. And so we're we're also seeing when you have individuals that are living rough that have complex issues with mental health and addiction, you also have vultures and those volunteers are the criminal elements that come in and take advantage of those individuals, drug dealers, people that are of the criminal nature.and we're we're dealing with those individuals at the same time, but I'm proud of a lot of the things we've done, Randy, you know this from myself, I'm still frustrated, I still think that I've got to be able to solve this issue. And I haven't got there yet. And I'm, I just, I, it's, it's the first thing I think about every morning and to listen and think about every night. And it's, it's a complex issue that everybody across Canada is facing.
Peter Tonge:Is there work to be done at the municipal level across the country? I mean, I know the provincial and federal government have to be involved. But something that crosses my mind, like, because we're a consortium of moving fatalities with, with with that sort of common solution help.
Dan Carter:I think that is the problem being Peter is every community faces similarities, but the complexities are so different from community to community, all of us, your community, in my community. So when it peg you have a very high indigenous community, First Nation community that have complexities that most a lot of communities don't have, because of the historical nature of many of individuals have gone through. So we've reached out to Winnipeg to speak to MMP and about the programs that they've done in downtown Winnipeg about how did you do that I just spoke to Jimmy Rogers in Medicine Hat, where they've got a program that they got to zero homelessness, I think the idea being is, as you serve as seek solutions, you've got to connect with municipalities all across the country. And what you try and do is you try and take the best path practices from everywhere you implement it. But don't be surprised if it doesn't work. It just means that the idea may be good, but it has to be flexible enough to be able to meet the local challenges. But it's frustrating, because what you're facing and Winnipeg, we are not visit facing in in Oshawa, because the client to a tell base is different than what you're facing your community. So great question. But the most important thing is, I would say is communication. If we're talking to one another, good ideas always come out of conversations. And I think that that's what we're trying to accomplish. Well, I'm glad to hear you talk about communication and bath best practices, because as I was asking the question, that's what I was thinking about is, you know, sharing that information.It has to be an eye, you know, every time I speak, I always tell people, you know, one of the things that we have to do is share information, but resources that we got one of the one of the books that I continue to recommend to everybody is called American overdose. And it's about the opiate crisis of where it started, and how we got to where we are today. And it's a really good piece of literature that you can read and really understand. And if you're not, if you're not familiar with this issue, it really helps you better understand.
Peter Tonge:I will put it on my reading list.
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Dan Carter:Peter, you haven't had a chance probably to hear Dan speak. And one of the I remember this clearly. We were at the volunteer awards up at the fire station. Dan, and you were the main speaker this about five years ago before you ran for mayor. And you were so open about your past and what When did you know you could actually come out and talk about that stuff. When I got sober. And I and I and I had to I had to go public about it becauseI throughout my journey of addiction. What had happened was my addiction was creating the persona of who I wanted to be which was not a great person. So when I got sober The only way to stay sober was I needed to make sure that people understood who I was. And you know that that in my previous role. Prior to politics, I was a journalist and and I wanted to make sure that people were tuning in nightly, didn't presume I was something and then had an expectation that I would do something, I needed to be very open about it. And I knew that my struggles with with my learning disability, with going through the foster program being raped as a seven year old,
Unknown:you know, seeing my brother are going through the experience of my brother being killed when he was 28, my sister's suicide, all these things, I knew I had to be open and public about it, because I couldn't carry, I couldn't carry secrets, I couldn't carry that any longer. So I needed to be very open about it. And what I did learn Randy out of the experience was that for the longest period of time, when I look at all these events that happen in my life, I always thought that I was being punished for something. And then I finally realized that that through all these experiences, that I learned that I wasn't being punished for something I was being equipped for something. And so, you know, when I speak about learning disabilities, and, and not learning how to read or write till I was 31. And being open about that, that connects with parents and children that have reading difficulties or learning difficulties, when I speak about my sister suicide, that is probably one of the most painful things I have to talk about. But I understand what 12 families a day in this country deal with, when I talk about my experiences of, of being raped as as a young child and the effect that had, it's not, it's not to, to, to, you know, create this kind of darkness. It's it's really about creating light. And light comes from recovery from from sharing from supporting from helping by investing. And the way I look at it is I have this is the life I have to live. I can't live any other way, Randy because if I do, I'm going to find yourself very backwards. Well, and Dan, you know what, now? Now you You are the the light for people to like, Listen, you couldn't read or write until you were like over 30. Now you're the mayor and I say this, Peter, I was at his office, maybe about a month ago, and he had a stack to read like this. And I go, I know, if I'm gonna run for anything. I'm the minute I see that big book show up. And you know what? I think, Dan, you have to keep going. Because it's more than you now. It's bigger than you. It's its success.
Dan Carter:You have to keep keep that light shining? Well, it'd be up to the People's Choice next October of what decision they make. And I hope that I have an opportunity to continue to serve. If I don't, if I don't have the opportunity to serve again, because the public decision one is I will respect it, of course. But number two is just think about it.
Unknown:Who would have ever thought I know, right? Like I'm already in the winner's circle, right? I mean, and Dan, to be honest, you being the mayor is just a small piece of the pie for me.
Randy Nickerson:It's you're just you're the effect you'd have on people regardless, just keep speaking the truth and your truth. And I think like I have a hard time talking to you without getting emotional period. It happens to me every time Peter, I'm sitting there talking about he's going againthat did that for you know, I mean, I'll never forget it when Dan was talking that that volunteer thing I thought he was gonna have to go and wash my face. And it was very, very moving. And to this day, I have so much respect for him.
Peter Tonge:Of course. So, Dan here, here's your big chance. What other passions Would you like to tell us about what are their passions? I'm a grandfather, and that's what I'm really passionate about. I I have three grandchildren, Carter that is named after me and my family. He's nine years old now. Bennett that is seven years old. And quite quite an interesting fella. And then my little granddaughter Miss Karolina Mae, and she's four years old. And to be honest, Peter Yeah, if she told me today that she needed a car I'd probably buy it for her.
Randy Nickerson:Your life is not yours a Dan.
Dan Carter:It's not it's not I mean, you know, I I'm very blessed. I got a fantastic partner and wife, Paula, and she's been absolutely just incredible in regards to our partnership and our love. I've been very, very fortunate. I've got a great family around me. I have a great boss. They're in law and family. My parents, of course, have passed now and two of my siblings, and there's just me and my brother left now, but I'm really, really lucky. I got, I've got, you know, touchwood I'm in good health, I've got a job that I love. I love my city, and I love my family. And I'm pretty lucky, but I gotta be honest with you, Peter, the grandchildren, oh, boy, they own me all the way through.
Peter Tonge:I promise I will not send them a copy of this.
Dan Carter:Well, I have to be for some photographs. And so I've sent them a photograph of our family. And I'm really, really excited about seeing that on TV. And, and I know the kids will be too.
Randy Nickerson:Fantastic. Here I am. I there was one subject I did want to touch on with Dan. And that's his electric car. Yeah, okay. Like, I mean, I I'm so my next car is going to be electric. Just talk to us a little bit about it.
Dan Carter:Absolutely love it. It's a it's a GM bolt, and not a volt a bolt. It's 100% Electric. It's affordable. It is a spectacular automobile. I've had it for three years now, three and a half years now, I haven't been to a gas station in three and a half years, which I absolutely love. I get about 500 kilometers to a charge, which is just incredible. And I just love the car itself. But I also am the same kind of person. If if we're going to talk about healthy, vibrant communities, then I have to demonstrate that as the leader, not only as the chief encourager officer and the Chief consoler officer of this City of Oshawa, and the CEO of the organization, I have to demonstrate my commitment in regards to issues that are the big issues of the day and, and electric vehicles must play a big role in regards to the future. We've seen in Ontario. Last night, we had major, major thunderstorms and lightning storms and rainstorms. The climate is changing dramatically. I think it's going to be up to all of us to be able to do our part. But to be honest, yeah, that's great that I that I have it as as a car that I drive, but I just love the car. It is a cool car. And you know, it's just a really nice car to drive. And I'm really proud to drive it. So yeah, I love my electric car.
Unknown:Oh, yeah, that's next.
Peter Tonge:Yeah, that's cool stuff. So there, we only have one set question in our podcast recordings. And I know the German I remember the Rotary Club of Iowa. What keeps you involved in rotary? Why do you keep going back, you've got lots of demands on your time.
Dan Carter:Well, it is difficult, especially to stay engaged all the time, especially with rotary, but I love what it represents. I love the people that are involved. I think it plays an important part in our community. I think that rotary really does represent what we're able to accomplish when you look at what rotary has been able to accomplish around the world with regards to polio. You see the dedication of average men and women, not only gathering together, but also coming together through the most difficult periods of time, but also taking on challenges. I think it really reminds me of the power of service. And I think that that's why I love rotary so much I loved going down to the rib fest and meeting people and seeing stuff. I love the groups when rotary different rotary groups asked me to come and speak at their organization. I love it. This spirit of rotary is different than I think any other organization that I've been been a part of. And I just love being a Rotarian. And I love that. Rotary allows me to be a part of it, but it's the spirit of service. It is just it is it is so important, specially right now that everybody finds a way of service, find a way of being able to help find a way of lifting up specially nowadays where people are trying to divide and push down. Let's find a way of lifting up and bringing people together. Community means so much right now. And rotary has a wonderful way of being able to do that. So to Rotarians all over the world. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your vision. And by the way, rotary has been able to accomplish great things out of ignorance and enthusiasm.
Peter Tonge:It's the truth Exactly. The podcast again.
Mandy Kwasnica:Thank you so much for joining us on another great episode of talking rotary. We would love to hear from you. Please send us your comments and story ideas and you can share with us easily by sending us an email at feedback at talking rotary.org. Let's keep talking rotary.