Simon Guthrie

Simon has been an active member of the Waterloo Region community for more than 30 years. He arrived from Ottawa to study Physics at the University of Waterloo in 1993. As a graduate student, he researched ways to use laser light to detect cancer and examine the eye. He also served as President of the Graduate Student Association, where he successfully advocated for dental care coverage and housing for graduate students.

Putting his academic work to use, Simon worked at Christie Digital Systems for a decade, witnessing the movie industry’s transformation from film to digital—and later from light bulbs to laser light. His innovative contributions earned him 10 patents.

Realizing that human challenges were just as complex, engaging, and important as technical ones, he transitioned into community work. In 2020, he returned to school and completed a Master’s in Peace & Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College. His research focused on how faith communities in Waterloo Region navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simon has been a dedicated advocate for food security and harm reduction as a member and churchwarden at St. John the Evangelist Church in Kitchener. He also serves in operational and governance roles with Project Ploughshares and the Community Kitchen Cooperative KW. A committed blood donor, he has donated 102 times!

For the past 18 months, Simon has been a staff member at the Mennonite Central Committee, working in social inclusion and restorative justice. He supports individuals transitioning from homelessness, helping them find meaningful roles in the community. He also facilitates Active Bystandership workshops.

Simon is taking time away from work during this election to give Waterloo voters an alternative to the failures of traditional party politics. His leadership is evidence-based, relationship-centred, and focused on consensus building. He currently serves as the Critic for Democratic Reform in the Green Party of Canada’s Shadow Cabinet.