Guelph
John Lawson
John Lawson has a passion for the environment and a deep connection to the natural world. This connection has been part of John since he was a boy exploring the seashore in the Maritimes where he grew his first garden at age nine. His wonder for the environment has led to deeper concern as he sees the life support systems of the planet threatened and assaulted. John’s commitment to sustainable environment and community led him to the Green Party.
After studies in history at the University of Western Ontario and international history at the London School of Economics, John studied theology at Princeton, in New Jersey. During as well as in-between those times, he travelled and worked across Canada and internationally. His diverse experiences have allowed him to work alongside people from many different backgrounds and situations.
For the past 25 years, John has served as a minister with the United Church of Canada, serving congregations in Southern Ontario. He and his family have lived in Guelph for the past nine years. John devotes his time to leading and organizing opportunities on subjects that include poverty, GMOs, food and water issues. He's also worked on supportive housing initiatives for those living with mental illness, the homeless and at-risk youth.
As a minister, John has the privilege of walking individuals and families through times of crisis, and he has noticed trends that deeply trouble him. People are losing secure jobs and falling below the poverty line. People are working harder while families and communities still continue to suffer. John has observed a growing sense of despair about the future. There is disenchantment with the government’s ability address the real issues of society, and a sense of unease that we are heading in the wrong direction.
John believes that the Green Party is the only party seeking to address these fundamental issues. It is the only party willing to translate environmental concern into practical policies that serve as the basis for a healthy and sustainable community and society.
John Lawson is the nominated candidate for The Green Party of Canada in the riding of Guelph.
