Former Member of Parliament, entrepreneur, and Liberal Party leadership candidate Frank Baylis delivered a powerful speech at the Operations Black Vote Canada Men’s Political Summit, urging the Black community to claim its place in shaping Canada’s political future. Addressing a packed audience, Baylis shared his vision for the country, his personal journey, and the critical need for meaningful Black representation in politics.

“If we don’t take our space, it won’t be given to us,” Baylis declared. “We must stand up, demand it, and work together to make it happen.”

Baylis’s address drew from a rich history of activism in his family. His mother, a Barbadian immigrant and nurse, set a legal precedent in Canada during the 1960s by successfully challenging racial discrimination in employment—a landmark case that preceded the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. “My mom fought for her rights and won,” Baylis said. “That’s part of my heritage, and it’s a fight we need to continue.”

Baylis also spoke of his family’s political legacy, including his aunt, Ann Cools, the first Black female senator in Canada, and June Baylis, who served as Barbados’ ambassador to Canada and the United Nations.

During his time in Parliament, Baylis played a pivotal role in establishing Canada’s first Black caucus, advocating for real investments in the Black community and the recognition of the UN Decade for People of African Descent. “We weren’t there just to talk. We wanted results,” he said. The caucus, which included Greg Fergus and Selina Cesar-Chavannes, pushed for tangible support for Black businesses and communities.

Baylis praised Fergus’s historic appointment as Canada’s first Black Speaker of the House but condemned the racism and double standards Fergus faced. “The attacks on Greg were a clear example of systemic racism,” Baylis said. “It’s a reminder of the unique challenges Black men face in politics.”

Outlining his priorities as a Liberal Party leadership candidate, Baylis focused on affordability, healthcare, and modernizing government. He called for creating high-paying jobs and fiscal responsibility to combat inflation and the rising cost of goods. “We need to get affordability under control,” he said, criticizing the current government’s handling of economic challenges.

With over 35 years in the medical industry, Baylis pledged to leverage his experience to improve Canada’s healthcare system. “We have the foundation for the best medical system in the world. It’s time to make that a reality,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for technological integration to improve government services. “We’re not using the tools we have to make life easier for Canadians. It’s time to bring our government into the 21st century.”

Baylis called on attendees to unite as a voting force, urging them to join the Liberal Party and support his campaign. “Membership is free and open to anyone over 14 years old,” he said, stressing the urgency of signing up before last Monday’s deadline.

While acknowledging frustrations with the Liberal Party’s handling of affordability and housing, Baylis promised a results-driven approach under his leadership. “We haven’t done enough,” he admitted. “But that will change.”

Baylis concluded by commending Velma Morgan and Operations Black Vote Canada for fostering political engagement in the Black community. “This is how we take our space,” he said. “It’s not about tokenism; it’s about earning our place and making a difference.”

For more information on Frank Baylis’s campaign, visit FrankBaylis.ca.

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