Heather Abdilla

Proud Canadian
2012 Canadian Olympian
Baby Catching Nurse
Master's Student
Dog Mamma

[Heather Abdilla @hmacswim]

OP-ED: I'm a TDSB trustee, and this is why I'm not running for re-election https://t.co/5FZ9TeugJZ via @TorontoTodayca

[Heather Abdilla @hmacswim]

Proud of the impact you have made on the Etobicoke community!

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

Bill 101 becomes law today. As a result, I have decided not to seek a 3rd term as @tdsb trustee.

This is the 2nd time @fordnation is involved with Toronto municipal elections. The uncertainty as to when Ministry supervision ends will play a major role in Ontario’s democracy!

On April 13th, when introducing Bill 101, Minister Calandra indicated his intention to continue supervision across all eight school  boards. A month earlier, on March 11th, he suggested that supervision could last as long as ten years!

Let me be clear: the Minister is exerting full control over this process, supported by supervisors of his choosing. Minister Calandra’s Bills 33 and 101, provide him extraordinary authority and drastically reduce the role of trustees. If the Minister still needs a decade before returning trustees to their elected positions, one has to truly wonder if he may not be the right person for the job?

Recent discussions have highlighted that trustees currently appoint Directors of Education and, under Bill 101, would appoint Chief Executive Officers. However, this may not apply to boards under prolonged supervision. If supervision continues for years, elected trustees will have no meaningful role in implementing these governance changes—not to mention, ever having the ability to remove a CEO. 

As of May 1st, the municipal election process got underway—including trustee races in eight boards. Candidates are being asked to step forward without knowing whether they will ever be allowed to do the job.

That should be totally unacceptable!

This uncertainty may discourage strong candidates from running, knowing they could be elected but not permitted to fulfill their duties. It also places a financial burden, as candidates for trustee already have no access to municipal rebate programs. The added uncertainty will likely inhibit donors and volunteers from stepping up to help in the democratic process. 

School board trustees already struggle with low voter turnout and questions about their relevance. What could reinforce that perception more than an election where voters are unsure whether the individuals they elect will actually be allowed to perform their duties. 

What’s perhaps even more outrageous about long term supervision, is that Minister Calandra has justified his need to take over these school boards on two grounds: financial oversight and so-called dysfunctional governance. Bill 101 removes budget authority from trustees and hands it to CEOs. And the Ministry has always had the power to require governance training he deem appropriate, something he has not done. 

So the question remains: what justifies continuing to sideline elected representatives indefinitely? With the changes the Province has made to the governance structure of school boards, why on earth would the newly elected school boards require provincial supervision? For years to come and with no end in sight?

It’s time for decisive action.
Trustees should be immediately reinstated in a meaningful, partial capacity. Premier Ford and Minister Calandra must commit—clearly and publicly—that provincial supervision will end no later than November 15th, when newly elected trustees take office. The undermining of the role of duly elected representatives must stop.

The role of a school board trustee is extremely important and we need capable, committed individuals willing to step forward. Those candidates—and the volunteers and donors who support them—deserve to know that their efforts will not be in vain.

Most importantly, the public deserves confidence in a fair and functional democratic process—one that ensures elected representatives can do the jobs they were elected to do, support student success, represent their communities and strengthen public education.

That confidence cannot exist without clarity.

And that is why this uncertainty must end.

#onpoli #onted

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

I appreciate @torontotodayca for the opportunity to share my perspectives around the Education challenges created by @PaulCalandra . Public education belongs to the public. I firmly believe that the public deserves both excellence and a voice! #ONpoli

https://t.co/c8EtX6Kalp

[Heather Abdilla @hmacswim]

@cityoftoronto @stephenholyday the suggestion from the city is to find “cool places” including the City outdoor pools. Currently at #WestDeanePool but it’s closed due to the humidity. Totally understand we need to keep the staff safe but seems like there could be another solution

[Brittany MacLean Campbell @b_maclean]

Honoured to be inducted into to Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame today! I’m endlessly grateful for all of the individuals within the swimming community who have impacted me far beyond results in the pool. Thank you @ESWIMofficial & @SwimOntario ❤️ 🏊‍♀️

[Brittany MacLean Campbell @b_maclean]

THRILLED to be heading to Paris on Friday as a member of the @CBCOlympics team on the ground!
I will be the Special Analyst for things Swimming, joining our incredible hosts to break down the action in the pool.
It's an honour & a privilege I don’t take for granted 🇨🇦 #Paris2024

[Heather Abdilla @hmacswim]

@Devin_Heroux @b_maclean “You know when I said she might not destroy, she destroyed”

[The Sashbear Foundation @SashbearOrg]

Join us for a FREE #mentalhealth presentation with our special speakers @tdsb @MacLeanWard2 and 2012 Olympian @hmacswim!
@ESWIMofficial @SwimOntario @oak_aquatic @tscswimming @ScarSwimming @Pickswimclub @LSC_toronto @SwimmingCanada @jay2langridge @b_maclean

[Sportsnet @Sportsnet]

19 years in the making. 🥹

[Toronto Maple Leafs @MapleLeafs]

GAME WINNER!
SERIES WINNER!

LET’S. GO. LEAFS. NATION!!!!!!!!!

[Heather Abdilla @hmacswim]

I love speechless @b_maclean.

But what a special moment in the pool tonight for Summer, @SwimmingCanada, @ESWIMofficial. It is just the start.

[Devin Heroux @Devin_Heroux]

We’re still trying to wrap our minds around this one.

@b_maclean who held the Canadian record in this same event for 9 years debriefs Summer McIntosh’s 400m freestyle world record.

A once in a generation athlete. And so much to come.

[Heather Abdilla @hmacswim]

Started the new year off right with these swimmers! Worked on freestyle technique, starts and turns and chatted about handling nerves and controlling what we can control. Big goals for 2023!

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

If you live in Etobicoke Centre, I have massive news. I’ve been able to acquire a small number of these spectacular lawn enhancements. These beauties are available for a limited time only. Interested in getting yours? Please call [phone] or email [email protected]

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

With the Municipal Election eight weeks away, this twitter account will now be the official account of my re-election campaign for Toronto Ward 2 Public School Trustee. I appreciate your consideration. 🗳☑️

[Heather Abdilla @hmacswim]

Hung out with the inspiring ladies of @campakomak yesterday morning! We talk everything from setting goals, making the most of disappointments and the challenges of those teenage years. Next time, I’m going back as a camper!

[Heather Abdilla @hmacswim]

Powerful words from a powerful women and athlete. @taylor_ruck thank you for your strength, courage and wisdom.

[CBC Olympics @CBCOlympics]

"I thought I could do it alone and I just went down a spiral"

@taylor_ruck courageously opens up about struggling with an eating disorder and the pressure to be "perfect" as an athlete and a young woman

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

After two years of virtual walks, Georgia and our family are happy to rejoin the sea of orange! Sasha’s tragedy planted a seed that has grown into to increase BPD awareness! Over $106K raised to increase support and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. #sashbearwalk

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

7 years ago this fur ball began to enrich our lives. I don’t get kisses like this anymore unless I’m willing to part with a handful of treats. Georgia is firmly entrenched as head of household. She’s a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Georgia Bulldogs and anything I’m eating!

[CBC Olympics @CBCOlympics]

Here come the Canadians 🇨🇦

Charles Hamelin and Marie-Philip Poulin lead Canada into the #Beijing2022 opening ceremony

[Team Canada @TeamCanada]

OUR HEARTS 🥺❤️

Watch the moment @speedskater01 and @pou29 were asked to be #TeamCanada’s Opening Ceremony flag bearers at #Beijing2022 🇨🇦

Details ➡️ https://t.co/uybEo0VCzY