Meet Rosalie Wannes: A candidate committed to her community
“I’ve always said, be the person you wish you had when you were growing up.” For Rosalie Wannes, this guiding principle has shaped her journey as a first-generation Canadian, accomplished lawyer, and community leader. Overcoming systemic challenges, she has dedicated herself to empowering others and fostering meaningful change.
We recently sat down with Wannes to discuss her candidacy for the Ontario PC nomination in Don Valley North, her vision for balancing cultural preservation with economic growth, and how her personal journey has inspired her approach to leadership and public service.
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Torontohye: You’ve had an interesting and inspiring journey leading up to your decision to run for office. With your involvement in the Armenian-Canadian community and your career as a lawyer, it’s clear you’ve always been driven to make a difference. Can you share more about your upbringing? How did your early experiences shape your values and goals, especially when it comes to community service and leadership?
Rosalie Wannes: As a first-generation Canadian, I had the privilege of pursuing a career as a lawyer—a stark contrast to my family’s experience in Lebanon, a country devastated by war and economic instability, which denied them opportunities for academic or professional growth. I made it my mission to achieve my full potential in a country that gives me the opportunity build a successful, healthy and happy life. Now, I hope to continue this legacy by sharing my experiences with my children and, one day, their children.
The odds for success were always against me. I am a first-generation Canadian, a woman, and I grew up in a family with a low socioeconomic status. But these factors did not stop me. I was valedictorian in my eighth grade, I graduated high school with honours, I went to the University of Toronto, one of the top universities in Canada, where I attained an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Political Science and City Studies, and graduated with distinction. Finally, the biggest honour was attending a prestigious Law School at the University of Ottawa and passing the Ontario Bar exam. I did not just excel in academics; I played on Team Ontario in women’s baseball, I volunteered for countless organizations, I umpired boys’ baseball. Actually, my sister and I were the only females in the league! I played on many sports teams in school and outside school. I just never stopped being the best person I could be.
I always say to myself, be the person you wish you had growing up. As a young adult, I didn’t have a mentor who helped me navigate the path to becoming a lawyer or building a business. My journey was shaped by always striving forward and not fearing failure. If I came across hurdles, it only made me try harder to achieve success. That is why I recognize the value of mentorship and shared knowledge. These experiences profoundly influenced my values and goals, particularly my commitment to community service and leadership. By providing guidance and opportunities to others, I believe I am helping create a ripple effect within our society. When individuals are empowered to achieve their goals, they are often inspired to do the same for others, fostering stronger, more connected communities.
This cycle of support is at the heart of my approach to leadership. It’s not just about giving back but about creating a culture of reciprocity where people are encouraged to uplift one another. As a leader, it is my duty to ensure that the values of perseverance, generosity, and collective growth continue to thrive for future generations.
Torontohye: As a mother of infant twins, you are balancing a demanding career and raising two young children. This combination can be overwhelming for many, especially in the early years. How has raising twins shaped your perspective on work-life balance, and how do you manage the demands of motherhood and your law career and community involvement?
Wannes: Raising twins has profoundly shaped my perspective on work-life balance. Motherhood, combined with my responsibilities as a lawyer, business owner, and community leader, has shown me that achieving balance is not about handling everything alone but about embracing the interconnectedness of our lives. It requires walking the line between being a leader and relying on the strength of communal resources.
The early years of raising twins come with unique challenges. It’s a full-time commitment to meet their constant needs and nurture their growth. At the same time, my work and community involvement require leadership, organization, and dedication. Managing these responsibilities has taught me that leadership doesn’t mean doing it all myself—it means knowing when to step forward and when to rely on the network around me efficiently.
Family and community have been invaluable in this process. Reaching out to loved ones and building a support system has been crucial for effective time management. Whether it’s family members helping with childcare, or encouragement from friends, I’ve learned to trust in the support of those around me. This system allows me to focus on each role without feeling overwhelmed, creating a balance where independence and collaboration go hand in hand.
Motherhood has deepened my understanding of this balance. It’s about leading purposefully while staying grounded in the communal values that allow us to share responsibilities and grow together. This balance makes it possible to meet the demands of motherhood, career, and community involvement while contributing meaningfully to the lives of others.
Being a wife, a lawyer, a business owner, an employer, and a political candidate are roles provided to me that are a blessing, and not committing fully to them would be a sin. I know I have the strength within, the skill, and the talent, and I cannot let it go to waste. Time management, organization, planning, faith, and, of course, help from family can make anything happen. When you are put in a position where you have a responsibility and need to do this, not only for yourself but also for your family and community, you find the solutions to make it happen.
Torontohye: Your participation in various community organizations, such as the Armenian Relief Society ARS Toronto Roubina Chapter and the Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT) is well-known. These experiences have certainly contributed to your political aspirations. What was the driving force behind your decision to enter politics, and how has your time with these organizations influenced your path toward seeking public office?
Wannes: Volunteering with the ARS and ANCT greatly influenced my decision to enter politics. These organizations taught me about advocacy, collective action, and the importance of making a difference both locally and globally. I gained insight into systemic inequalities and social justice issues, which motivated me to pursue political change through policy and action. These experiences also helped me develop leadership and collaboration skills, preparing me to support important causes. Additionally, working with women-led groups highlighted the need for more female representation in politics, inspiring me to help ensure diverse voices are included in decision-making.
My time with these organizations provided me with the skills and motivation to advocate for my community on a broader scale. These experiences solidified my determination to pursue public office as a means to address systemic challenges effectively, balancing the present needs of individuals with the long-term priorities of the communities they shape.
Torontohye: After earning your Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa, you left your firm and started start your own practice. This is a significant move for anyone in the legal field. What led you to take that step? Can you share some of the challenges and rewards you’ve experienced in running your own firm and how your legal career is preparing you for a role in politics?
Wannes: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I passed the bar exam and opened my law firm the same day. Before deciding to open my own law firm, I felt that women weren’t treated equitably in the corporate world. This, of course, is still true today. Also, my character of being independent would be shackled under the employment of another. In addition, my community needed an Armenian-speaking lawyer. I felt that this marginalized group needed representation, and I took that risk with the encouragement of my family and husband. They believed in me and knew that I could achieve success for myself and others as a solo practitioner. Opening and managing a business with no guidance is no easy task, let alone practicing law for the first time. By overcoming my tribulations, I gained confidence to be an excellent lawyer and successful business owner. With research, creating networks, and persistence, I made what was difficult look flawless.
A true lawyer should be a leader, with superior elocution, empathy, impeccable critical thinking skills, and a drive to promote the rule of law. As a lawyer, I understand where the government, the law, and its enforcement interact. It is a very intricate and essential dynamic that needs to be understood and represented to fulfill the best interests of society. I know that I have these qualities, and I can represent my potential constituency if I am given the opportunity to.
Torontohye: Alongside your legal career, you’ve dedicated significant time to pro bono work, particularly for Armenian refugees. How did this work come to be a part of your life, and what have you learned from your experiences providing legal support to those in need? How does this pro bono work tie into your broader vision for the community?
Wannes: Pro bono work for Armenian refugees was a byproduct of both my heritage and my awareness of the challenges many refugees face in navigating the legal system. Early in my legal career, I witnessed the struggles of individuals fleeing conflict and instability. I felt a strong responsibility to use my legal skills to support them, helping them overcome complex legal hurdles.
This work taught me the importance of approaching each case with empathy and practicality. While bureaucratic policies exist for a reason, they sometimes unintentionally fail to account for the unique circumstances of those in need. My role has often involved helping refugees present their cases in a way that meets these requirements, even when the odds seem against them. Being Armenian allowed me to bridge the intimidating legal process and the personal realities of these individuals. Communicating with them and knowing the culture, language, and difficulties of being a diasporan enriched the process and allowed me to better understand their background and circumstances.
The skills and experience I have gained through this work are valuable for helping Armenians and applicable to addressing challenges faced by anyone navigating complex systems. The ability to assess individual situations, advocate effectively, and craft practical solutions within established frameworks applies broadly, regardless of the individual’s background.
This pro bono work aligns with my broader vision for the community by showing how thoughtful, tailored approaches can address individual challenges and lead to wider societal benefits. By helping individuals who initially felt they had no path to relief find solutions, I’ve seen them settle in Canada and contribute successfully and productively. Their integration benefits them and strengthens Canadian society through their contributions. This reflects my vision of a community where supporting those in need lays the foundation for growth and prosperity, enabling individuals to uplift themselves and contribute to a stronger, more unified society.
Torontohye: Don Valley North is home to major hubs for the Armenian-Canadian community, such as the Armenian Community Centre, the ARS Armenian Private School, and St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church. These institutions are central in preserving and advancing Armenian culture and identity. Given your deep connection to these spaces, what motivated you to seek the Ontario PC nomination for this riding? How do you plan to represent the needs and values of the Armenian community within the broader political landscape?
Wannes: Don Valley North holds a special place for me because of its vibrant Armenian-Canadian community and the vital cultural institutions that support it. The Armenian community in Toronto has a rich history of resilience and achievement. These institutions are essential not only for preserving Armenian heritage but also for educating future generations and fostering a strong sense of belonging among Armenians.
My connection to these spaces motivated me to seek the Ontario PC nomination for this riding. The Ontario PC Party emphasizes preserving and advancing culture and identity, values that resonate deeply with the Armenian community as a diaspora population. However, preserving cultural identity also requires an economic dimension. Identity is sustained through tradition and the economic success and achievements of individuals and families. Economic stability filters into families, providing the foundation for communities to thrive and for cultural traditions to continue.
For example, I aim to support policies that provide resources and funding for community hubs like the Armenian Community Centre and ARS Armenian Private School. These institutions are not just cultural spaces but also critical drivers of education, youth engagement, and community cohesion. Their success depends on strong economic policies that enable local growth and support cultural initiatives. Strengthening these institutions ensures that Armenian heritage is passed on to future generations while fostering a sense of belonging within the broader fabric of Canadian society.
The Conservative Party recognizes that cultural identity is a core part of the human condition, making us unique as individuals and as communities. It also understands that economic policy must complement cultural activities for culture to flourish. Sound economic policies that are realistic and practical ensure that communities can achieve their potential. This synergy between cultural and economic identity is where communities and society as a whole can maximize their potential.
By addressing broader issues such as public safety, social cohesion, and sound economic policy, I aim to ensure that the voices of the Armenian community are heard within the political landscape. My goal is to champion policies that recognize the inseparable relationship between cultural identity and economic stability, ensuring that the Armenian community and society at large continue to thrive. Through these efforts, I will strive to make Don Valley North a model for how communities can grow together while maintaining their unique identities.
Torontohye: Recently, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in youth political leanings, with young people across Canada and worldwide embracing more conservative ideologies. Studies suggest that today’s young Canadians are more politically conservative than their elders. Why do you think this shift is happening? How do you see this trend affecting Canadian politics and the broader political landscape, particularly as it relates to the Armenian community and issues that matter to younger generations?
Wannes: The shift toward conservative ideologies among young Canadians and globally is a noteworthy trend likely driven by current societal conditions. In today’s rapidly changing world, marked by economic uncertainty, inflation, and social fragmentation, young people are increasingly drawn to policies that provide clear and practical solutions to immediate challenges. Alienation caused by global conflict and instability has made values that define conservatism, such as personal responsibility, entrepreneurship, and economic stability, particularly appealing.
Liberalism of the 21st century has overemphasized the social dimension of politics, neglecting critical issues such as cultural, economic, and technological concerns. This imbalance has left these areas fragmented, particularly in the face of global instability. Domestically, economic insecurity, cultural disconnection, and technological alienation—where digitized social interaction leads to isolation—have eroded confidence in systems that fail to provide comprehensive solutions. Globally, geopolitical instability and rapid technological shifts have compounded these challenges. Many young people, including those in the Armenian community, seek ideologies that offer clarity, balance, and practical responses to these concerns.
This trend is reshaping Canadian politics by bringing new energy and perspectives to the conservative movement. Younger voters are demanding policies that address tangible issues like economic growth, job creation, and affordable housing—issues that are critical not just for them but for society as a whole. For the Armenian community, this shift is particularly significant. It creates opportunities to advocate for cultural preservation, education, and economic empowerment within a political framework that emphasizes entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Policies that promote the sustainability of cultural institutions, support Armenian businesses, and create educational opportunities for youth align with the broader priorities of younger Armenians.
In the broader political landscape, the conservative shift among youth signifies a rebalancing of priorities, where immediate solutions to economic and cultural challenges take precedence. Younger generations, including Armenians, are increasingly shaping the direction of political parties by advocating for policies that address the pressing realities of today. This engagement ensures their voices are heard and fosters a governance environment that recognizes cultural identity and economic opportunity as interconnected strengths.
My goal is to engage with young Armenians actively, ensuring their priorities are addressed and their contributions acknowledged. By encouraging their participation, we can confront today’s challenges and build stronger, more resilient communities. The PC Party’s principles provide a forward-thinking framework that resonates with youth seeking meaningful and practical solutions, paving the way for a brighter future for all.
Torontohye: Looking beyond the next election, how do you see the future of Armenian-Canadian representation in Ontario and across Canada? With folks like Aris Movsesian now seeking the federal Conservative nomination for Scarborough-Agincourt, how do you think young Armenian Canadians are reshaping the political narrative in our communities? What advice would you give to young Armenians considering a career in politics or public service?
Wannes: The future of Armenian-Canadian representation in Ontario and across Canada is promising as more young Armenians step into leadership roles and pursue careers in politics and public service. Individuals like Aris Movsesian bring fresh perspectives and demonstrate that impactful change is achievable while staying rooted in their identity. This benefits not only young Armenians but also the Armenian community, fostering excitement and enthusiasm and likely increasing voter turnout as a result. As more Armenians engage in public life, their contributions will strengthen the fabric of Canadian society, offering both cultural depth and innovative approaches to community building.
Young Armenian Canadians are reshaping the political narrative by demonstrating the importance of balancing heritage with active civic engagement. They create momentum that inspires others within the community, particularly younger generations, by serving as visible, real-life examples of what can be achieved. This motivation extends beyond the Armenian community, as their participation contributes to the broader Canadian political landscape, showcasing how distinct cultural contributions strengthen democratic engagement. By championing areas such as cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and education, young Armenians highlight how their priorities align with broader Canadian values while bringing unique perspectives to national conversations.
For young Armenians considering a career in politics or public service, I advise embracing their identity and values while remaining deeply engaged with the communities they wish to serve. Leadership is not only about ambition but also about listening, understanding, and collaborating. By connecting with their heritage while addressing the multifaceted needs of society, their contributions can be both meaningful and enduring. This dual focus ensures that they not only represent their community effectively but also contribute to the larger Canadian political landscape.
The PC Party’s platform provides a pragmatic framework for these aspirations. Its emphasis on cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and equality of opportunity aligns with the values of the Armenian community and younger Canadians seeking stability and growth. By championing these principles, young Armenian Canadians can shape the political narrative, amplifying their voices and ensuring their contributions are recognized. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect, motivating others and fostering collective progress within the Armenian community and Canadian society at large.
Looking beyond the next election, the involvement of young Armenians in public life will not only strengthen their community but also enrich the broader fabric of Canadian society. Through their cultural, economic, and personal contributions, they demonstrate the value of civic engagement and leadership. By leading with purpose and inspiring others to follow, they will create a legacy for future generations to strive for—one that is significant for Armenians and Canadians alike. ֍
