I am Ari Goldkind.
There are issues that affect us all – our communities and our country – that demand intelligent debate. But intelligent debate is in short order in world of soundbites and hypersensitivities.
But I remain committed to talking about them. Openly and fully. In 2014 I ran for Mayor of Toronto on a platform of sound, practical economic and social solutions. Since then I have dedicated myself to two avenues: my profession as a criminal defence lawyer, and my passion for social justice.
I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I am not a wealthy Bay Street lawyer. I worked my way through school on my own, and I defend people in the city court system. Much of my work is through Legal Aid.
As a trial lawyer, I have learned to debate aggressively according to my convictions. Sometimes this means approaching problems from a different angle, or from a wider viewpoint than others who are fighting the same fight.
Some of my key hot-button issues include:
• scrutiny of police powers and police treatment of accused citizens, while in custody as well as in high-risk situations
• elimination of police carding
• improving accessibility for people with disabilities
• holding people in positions of power accountable for their words and actions
Some people will agree with me, others will disagree. But I welcome the debate, because people can both learn more and teach more through open debate and exchange of ideas.
In a world where people are more connected than ever before, we have also become more isolated, and that serves no benefit. No-one ever progressed by closing down and cementing their biases.
Join me. Let’s Advance the conversation.