Leading with Empathy

Eli Rose:Leading with Empathy

About Eli Rose

Eli Rose – A Canadian Story of Resilience, Community, and Vision

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Eli Rose

I was born and raised in Canada, in a middle-income family with roots that spanned two countries I hold close to my heart. My father, a proud Canadian, and my mother, a warm and caring woman from the beloved United Kingdom, instilled in me a deep love for this country and the values that make it truly special. But like so many Canadians, my childhood wasn’t without its challenges

When my parents split, I was just a young boy, living under the care of my mother along with my two older brothers. We often found ourselves in a situation that many families can relate to—times when the fridge was almost empty, and my mom was doing everything in her power to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, she never let her circumstances define her, nor ours. My mother and her sisters raised us on the bedrock of love, family, empathy, hard work, and education—values I hold dear to this day.

Watching my mother overcome adversity, day in and day out, taught me some of the most important lessons of my life. She worked multiple jobs, sacrificed her own dreams, and still found time to instill strong Canadian values in her children. She taught me the meaning of resilience, that no matter what life throws at you, you pick yourself up and keep going. These are the principles I carry with me: the importance of hard work, the strength of community, and the belief that no Canadian should ever have to face life’s challenges alone.

When it came to my own journey, I knew that education would be my path forward. I’ve had the privilege of attending every level of schooling in Canada—from elementary to high school, college, and university—where I became a lifelong learner. But along the way, I saw first-hand how the system isn’t working for everyone. As someone who worked three jobs while studying full-time, all while balancing the responsibilities of being a new father, I understand how difficult it is to manage life’s demands. My wife, who I’ve been with since high school, and I welcomed our daughter during my undergraduate years. It was the happiest time of my life, but it was also one of the most overwhelming, trying to juggle family, work, and studies.

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His Life Story

 I’ve always been committed to giving back to the community. As a mentor in my university and a voice for change beyond campus, I’ve pushed for reforms in education, employment, and access to opportunities, especially for young Canadians struggling to find their footing in a system that feels stacked against them. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by life’s demands, and I know that so many Canadians are facing the same struggles—whether it’s balancing work and family or making ends meet with a growing cost of living.

A defining moment in my life came in 2018 when my aunt was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away later that year, leaving a void in my family and showing me first-hand the gaps in our healthcare system. Since then, my family has faced yet another life-threatening illness, and it’s driven me even more to fight for a healthcare system that serves all Canadians. Too many young people are being diagnosed with diseases that threaten their futures, and our system isn’t set up to help them in the way they need. It’s personal for me, and I know it’s personal for countless families across this country. We need a healthcare system that puts people first.

The Chilling Twist

Through all these experiences—being raised by a single mother, balancing my family life, working multiple jobs, losing loved ones, and navigating an education system that felt inaccessible at times—I’ve grown more committed to helping make Canada even greater. My vision is for a Canada that works for everyone: where our healthcare system doesn’t let people slip through the cracks, where families can prosper, and where our government is accountable and transparent. I want to see a country where every Canadian, no matter their background, can achieve their dreams without feeling overwhelmed by the system. And I want to be part of making that happen.

 

My story is like many Canadians’—it’s about overcoming adversity, staying resilient, and having a deep desire to see our communities thrive. I know the struggles, and I know the potential of this great country. And now, I want to take my experiences and values to Ottawa, to serve Canada and its people, and to help us all build the future we deserve.

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