Ian Morton believes every day is a blessing.
The Stratford resident, who is recovering from cancer, has rediscovered his energy and focus.
A Grade 7 teacher at St. Marys DCVI, Morton will run for the Green Party in Perth-Wellington in the next provincial election.
“2024 was an interesting year for me. Some really great stuff going on and some absolutely horrible stuff.”
Morton’s health took a turn in the Fall of 2023 when he had COVID.
It overwhelmed his immune system, and a lymph node became swollen.
Scans and biopsies revealed a type of throat cancer.
“It was absolutely brutal and horrible.”
He underwent cancer treatment from late May to the middle of July and for a time was fed via a gastric tube in his stomach.
Morton, 50, has recovered and scans are coming back positive.
He announced his political ambitions last month.
The Green Party of Ontario was a natural fit for a teacher who believes in the party’s environmental, social and economic goals.
“I have these environmental roots but I also want a strong economy that is going to provide for people and support lots of jobs and innovation.”
Morton admits there is a mountain to climb, with local Green Party support traditionally in the six to 10 per cent range.
But a recent win in Kitchener Centre by Aislinn Clancy, compliments a seat in Guelph held by Green Party of Ontario leader, Mike Schreiner.
Morton said it might be time for a different approach to how the provincial government handles big issues.
“We are in an affordability crisis, a housing crisis. There is work that isn’t being done that has to be done.”
Morton said urban sprawl is a big topic, particularly for Perth-Wellington. Protecting farmland is important. There are also needs to be plans for climate change, with extreme weather events occurring more often.
“You see that in LA. with the enormous cost of the wildfires.”
Another local and provincial topic is emergency room closures, which Morton describes as “unforgiveable”.
As someone who received “excellent care” while being treated for cancer, ensuring emergency rooms stay open 24/7 is a top priority.
“That is why I want my voice out there to try and bring light to some of these issues.”
The educator understands it’s a monumental task to overcome traditional political favourites in the province and riding.
He said teaching has taught him how to work with different groups – to collaborate, listen and find solutions.
“Constituents are all different. There are different concerns, different issues, different backgrounds, different levels of income. We need someone to listen, not just to the boss in Queen’s Park.”
With his health continuing to improve, Morton is realizing every day is a blessing.
“It’s worth it to do the things you want to do while you can do them and not wait for later because it may be too late.”
Morton said the Greens are a serious party with serious solutions and serious concern for the people of Ontario.
