Luke Weiler – For Upper Grand District School Board Trustee, Wards 1 & 5

My Vision for our Schools

Advocacy

Advocating for parents and children, working to obtain needed funds to repair and maintain infrastructure.

Inclusion

Shaping policy to ensure that our children are safe from bullying, and maintaining a commitment to safety, well-being, and inclusion.

Equality

Working to provide equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their school, celebrating diversity and the perspectives of all students, including those from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit backgrounds.

Accessibility

Seeing that supports are in place so that all students can learn in a way that is appropriate to them and sensitive to their needs.

Meet Luke

My name is Luke Weiler, and I am seeking your support in my campaign to serve as a public School Board Trustee in Guelph for Wards 1 and 5.

I have been proud to call Guelph my home for over two decades. I earned an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and History from the University of Guelph. I currently work as a sole-practitioner lawyer in downtown Guelph, specializing in family law and child protection. I also represent children for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.

I have a history of service in our community that speaks to my commitment to working for the public good. I have served as the Vice-Chair of the Guelph Not for Profit Housing Corporation, an organization providing affordable housing to Guelph residents, managing over 500 housing units in nine properties through our city. I am the former Vice-President of the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT), an advocacy group which works toward the goal of creating safer streets and public places for all Guelph residents. I have been privileged to serve as the President of the Hillside Community Festival for eight years, overseeing the festival’s human resources and its board of directors.

What Luke Cares About

I strongly believe in the ability of education to empower and transform. I couldn’t do what I do without caring and committed teachers and extracurricular programs that gave me the opportunity to grow more fully into myself. Primary and secondary schools are the foundation for the rest of our lives. A strong, well-funded, properly maintained school system that provides individual supports to all students is my first priority as a trustee.

As a lawyer representing children for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, my job is to work with children and ensure that their voices are heard clearly in the courts. As a litigator acting for parents, I also advocate for my clients by understanding their needs and working to achieve their goals in court. As your trustee, I will be a strong advocate for you and your children in the school system.

Children spend more time in school than anywhere except for their home. It is essential that our schools are safe and inclusive environments that recognize the unique value of every child, and promote the development of self worth and pride. I strongly stand with teachers and administrators in the fight against cyberbullying, homophobia, and all forms of discrimination. I will work to ensure that children from all backgrounds are treated with dignity, regardless of ethnic background, religion, immigration status, or sexual identity. I will take special care to ensure that the perspectives of students from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities are treated with respect and openness.

Working as a sole practitioner, I am the only person responsible for my business’ success. If I expect something to get done, it’s up to me to make sure it happens. I will apply the same diligence and focus to school board governance that I do to my own business. I am prepared to learn what I need to learn, and to work with parents, teachers, and students to make the best possible decisions. As a small business owner, I also understand the value of every dollar and the importance of making sure that money is spent carefully and effectively.

Any donations will be used to purchase campaign materials. I am asking that no donations exceed $25 to ensure that I am seen to be an independent elected representative.