Why Pablo Rodriguez Should be your New Latino Role Model

By: Ana Rodriguez

If your upbringing was anything like mine, you’ll know that finding yourself represented in Canadian media, much less politics, was a feat rarely accomplished. Besides a couple of children’s cartoons and outdated stereotypes on sitcoms, there weren’t many Latino figures for us to look up to. By “us” I am referring to the thousands of Latino children growing up in Canada. Fortunately, thanks to the many movements across North America demanding visibility for people of colour, this is changing.

Two months ago, I couldn’t think of one politician in Canada that represented my culture or my heritage. If you can’t think of one either, let me introduce to you the honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Chief Whip of Canada and Member of Parliament for Honore-Mercier. His story has not only inspired me but served as a source of determination for me to achieve my own goals. Rodriguez was recently at the University of Toronto discussing Hispanic Latin-American visibility in government with the School 4 Civics program. Chloe Bray and I had the opportunity to sit down with Pablo and interview him about politics, representation, and the Latin American community in Toronto.

We first asked Rodriguez about his journey into politics and why there is such a lack of representation of Latinos in government. His answer led us into an enthralling discussion about immigration and Latin American culture in Canada. Rodriguez’s immigration story is one that will resonate with many Latinos living in Canada today. He describes his family’s move as a means to seek stability. However, this search for stability, he says, is one of the barriers towards Latino representation in government.

Pablo’s family was fleeing a brutal Argentine dictatorship in the 1970s, as were many Latinos who emigrated to Canada during this time. In fact, he tells the story of his father telling him that here in Canada, Rodriguez could be anything that he wanted to be, with one exception: “please don’t do politics.” Rodriguez explains that when politics drives you away from your home, it’s not likely that you will end up dedicating your life to it.

If it’s not the bitter taste of politics gone awry holding Latinos back, Rodriguez says it is a lack of unity between the different Latin American communities in Canada. Personally, I know that I tend to identify as a Colombian first before I identify as a Latin American. Nonetheless, Rodriguez explains that we need to foster a sense of solidarity and come together as one to fight for our voices to be heard and represented in government. He stresses that we have to do much more as a community to achieve this goal but working together as one it can be accomplished.

In addition to Rodriguez’s lengthy political background he has a dedicated much of his life to humanitarian aid. We asked him how he reconciles politics and non-governmental work, which often can be at odds with each other. Rodriguez’s response to this question was more uplifting than I could have ever imagined. To put it simply, Rodriguez says that when he was young all he wanted to do was “change the world.” He has worked to get kids off the streets and into athletic or arts programs and has a strong background on human rights issues in Asia, Africa and South America.

For Pablo politics are simply a continuation of this work, and he still sees himself changing the world. As he told us, you cannot change everything, but if you can make a difference to those around you and the community you serve in you are still helping to change the world.

If Rodriguez’s life and mission has not yet inspired you enough to pause Netflix and make a difference, this certainly will. Rodriguez’s one piece of advice for young Canadians seeking a career in politics is to never stop fighting. No one is going to give you a hand and tell you “here –  come into politics.” You have to have guts and a passion for change and determination to achieve your goal as a politician.

Pablo told us that once you’re in politics there is room for you, but to get there you need to fight for your values, figure out what you believe in and never give up hope. When I heard this, I realized it can be applied to so many things outside of politics, which makes Rodriguez’s message that much more meaningful. If you take only one thing away from Rodriguez’s story and advice I think that this should be it. Keep fighting.

So why should Pablo Rodriguez be your new Latino role model? If you want a role model that encompasses a message of unity, inclusion, hard work and compassion, he is your guy.