A note to "progressive" politicians in Canada:

1. Representation is a lie. You represent the voices who had not been at that table before you got there. There are enough people around you to represent "all your constituents".

2. Stop framing things around your re-election and your political capital. If you're too afraid to take risks because you could lose your job, find a new one. So many have experienced the same or greater loss. It's not worth running if you can't stomach this part of it.

3. Cut the performative bullshit. Standing in solidarity via statement or speech is not the same as being in solidarity with. Taking a picture or a tiktok at landback isn't the same as asking folks what is needed and trying to provide it. We can tell the difference.

4. Build relationships with organizers so that you're doing what is useful *before* being asked to. Eliminate this weird new need for "social justice lobbyists". Tell us what dangerous policies are coming up in advance when you can vs. trying to solve it only via Motions/ Bills

5. Have conversations with organizers you trust about the limitations of your role and your political boundaries v.s. building up resentment toward people on the ground. But also know when those political limitations are real and when it's about ego, individuality, & re-election

6. Know when you're done. Progressive politicians that do not have a term limit in their head, but talk about the need to instate term limits confuse me. The longer you're elected, the more likely it is that you will lose touch with community. Do what you can, but not forever.

Lastly, practice seeing what is in front of us vs. what *could be* in electoral spaces. Don't stay in spaces that require one to compromise individual politic for the good of a collective if the collective politic is not in line with yours. *Could be* is often a carrot on a stick

An additional point: "progressive politicans" who say: "everybody has their issues of focus but I'm going to prioritize what I deem important to me" are being individualistic. You may think what you're doing is a priority to community but you could be disconnected. See point 1.