Beaches-East York isn't just a ward on a map to me, it’s my history. My life is measured in the snapshots we all share: countless birthday parties at Woodbine Beach, weekend hockey games at East York Memorial Arena, the glow of the Canada Day fireworks at Stan Wadlow, and even causing a little trouble on the Danforth as a teen from time to time. But I also know that for many of us, the snapshots are getting harder to take as the cost-of-living skyrockets.

I was born and raised in East York, and for the past 20 years, I’ve been proud to call the Beaches my home, as a resident and as a teacher in non-profit early education. As a teacher, service is at the core of my identity. My time in the classroom has taught me that true leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about listening to the people of our ward and leading with empathy. I see every day how affordability, or the lack of it, affects our families, our children, and our seniors. Beyond the classroom, I have put these values into practice by spearheading the movement to unionize my workplace. I led the effort to organize my colleagues and now serve as their representative, fighting on the front lines for affordability and dignity to ensure those who care for our community can afford to live in it.

My commitment to our neighborhood extends to serving on two local boards and volunteering my time for mental-health peer support. I’ve built a union from the ground up and fought for my community at the grassroots level; now, I’m ready to take that fight to City Hall.

The choice in this election is clear. We can settle for the status quo and more of the same, or we can choose a representative who knows these neighborhoods because he’s lived them. We can choose someone who understands the struggles of affordability and the barriers many of us face in getting ahead.

My opponents may offer statistics and polished talking points, but they are the ultimate insiders. People who have spent their careers working within the same government systems that struggle to combat the challenges we face today. We’ve seen where that path leads; we’ve seen what happens when those in power prioritize the status quo over the people they serve.

I’m not here to talk at you; I’m offering a partnership. I’m here to work alongside you to ensure Beaches-East York remains a community where we as individuals, and our kids and grandkids, can afford to thrive.

On October 26th, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. Vote Austin Vieira!