Jamil Jivani, Taking Politics by Storm: The Story Behind the Person

by Jonathan van Bilsen

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with our newest member of parliament, Jamil Jivani, a resident of Durham Region, and someone who is making his mark in Canadian politics.

Born in Toronto, Jamil was uprooted to Brampton, where he attended elementary school. His father, who was born in Kenya, left the family when Jamil was at an early age, leaving his mother to raise Jamil and his two sisters, alone.

Jamil’s grandparents, on his mother’s side, came to Canada, shortly after World War Two, from Scotland and Ireland, respectively. “My Grandpa worked as a custodian for the Toronto District School Board his entire career,” Jamil explained, with a hint of pride in his eye.

His father was an orphan in Kenya, and came to Canada in his early twenties. It was obvious Jamil is from a hardworking family, which he feels gives him an ability to relate to many of his constituents.

I did ask how his parents, being from Kenya and Scotland, ended up meeting. “It was quite a coincidence,” Jamil said. “My father was living in London, and attended a wedding of one of his cousins here. My mother shared a work cubicle with that cousin, and was also at the wedding. They met, and the rest is history.”

Growing up was very difficult, as can be expected for anyone from a single parent environment. Consequently his schoolwork suffered, and he ran into numerous problems.

“I was suspended several times, for fighting. I skipped classes, and in grade ten, I failed the Ontario Literacy test.” Jamil added. His reason for sharing that story was to show, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Many kids, in similar positions, want to give up, but if you stick with it, you will be able to reap the rewards.” Something he has certainly accomplished.

Jamil continued, “It is wonderful to live in a country like Canada, even with all its faults. Imagine, someone who is unable to read or write, at age 15, can still end up as a Member of Parliament.”

At the age of 16, Jamil was employed as a dishwasher, eventually working his way up to line cook. “It was an amazing experience to earn money, pay your own bills, be responsible for your own life, and to work beside people who were struggling to support a family.”

Jamil barely graduated from high school. He was fortunate to discover a program at Humber College, designed for kids like him, who needed to hone their high school skills. In fact, after a very short time at Humber, Jamil was awarded the President’s Medal of Honour, and was able to transfer to York University.

“It was a difficult transition, but one which was very successful for me, largely due to my mother, as well as the professors I had. They all pushed me to succeed.”

At York University, during a presentation, he met a history professor from Yale University, who was visiting Toronto. “We talked a little, and he suggested I apply to Yale. I did, and to my surprise, I was accepted on a scholarship.”

While filling in the application for Yale, one of the questions was, to list your father’s income. Not being in touch with his father, he had little choice but to leave the answer blank and was consequently rejected. After several calls, it came to light, the admissions department at Yale was not used to students from less fortunate backgrounds. They amended their policy, and Jamil was in.

Although Jamil Jivani enjoyed Law School, he had decided law would not be a viable profession for him. His interests leaned toward policy making, which landed him a job as an intern in the office of Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, who, himself, went on to become a Democratic Senator.

After graduating from Yale and returning to Canada, Jamil began articling at Torys, a 100 year old, very prestigious law firm in Toronto. His hard work paid off professionally. Not only did Jamil work at a law firm, he also taught at Osgoode Hall, until the age of thirty, when his life changed.

After a routine examination, due to a pain in his neck, Jamil Jivani was diagnosed with lymphoma, a blood cancer which had metastasized into his spine and cracked two vertebrae.

“In talking with numerous people in the Cancer ward, I was amazed to learn how much we have advanced in the treatment of lymphoma, even in the past 30 years.”

With cancer very distant in the rear view mirror, I was curious what Jamil’s goals were.

“What I am truly focused on is, protecting what we have in our society. I want people to be able to live up to their potential, and not be held back because of constraints society places on them.” He paused for a moment. “I feel the government should be there to level the playing field for every Canadian, regardless of their background, ethnicity or upbringing.

Jamil recently reconnected with his father, who is currently living in Mexico. “I discovered, I have two step brothers now, which is really exciting.”

I very much enjoyed my conversation with Jamil Jivani. His candidness was refreshing, and his intentions are beneficial to Canadians. To watch the entire episode of my interview, tune into Rogers TV, or visit the Jonathan van Bilsen Show on YouTube. This episode airs August 18th. Check local listings for details.

Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. His show, ‘The Jonathan van Bilsen Show’, on RogersTV, the Standard Website or YouTube, features many of the people included in this column.