Gillian Walker, Green Party of Canada

Personal details. Name, age, hometown

Gillian Walker, 28, Saskatoon.

Tell us about yourself

I am currently studying education at the University of Saskatchewan but previously completed a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. My favourite thing in the world is learning, so it is not surprising I wanted to do more. I am a member of the LGBTQIA2+ community and use gender neutral pronouns they, them and their. I cycle year-round and enjoy woodworking

What’s a little-known fact about you?

I like reading and writing poetry.

Why should voters hire you?

I am excellent at breaking down complex ideas into manageable bits for people of all ages to understand. I want to make politics accessible for everyone in my riding, so I can represent a fully informed constituency.

Who should we call for a reference?

Alex Phillips.

What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness?

My greatest strength is perseverance. I am a keep-on-going type person. When I set my mind to something, I will accomplish it even if it takes years. A weakness that I am working on is being gentle with my truths, which means the majority of the time I will tell you my honest opinion if asked; sometimes it is hurtful. I am working to catch myself and choose my words carefully, because not everyone appreciates brutal honesty all the time.

Where do you stand on:

Gun laws? All guns should be registered. Illegal guns and assault weapons should be removed from owners through a buyback program.

The need for more pipelines? No. I believe Canada should be investing in renewable energy capture. We should not purchase infrastructure that will become obsolete as the world transitions away from our finite fossil fuels.

Western alienation? (No answer provided).

China? What should our approach be with some of our markets blocked? (No answer provided).

Are we facing a climate change crisis? Is carbon tax the answer? Yes. Carbon tax is one answer to our global climate crisis, though I believe our current carbon tax model does not effectively address the environment, social and economic needs of Canadians.

It’s a day off and you can do anything you want. What would it be?

Go camping via canoe.

Who inspires you?

Temple Grandin.

What is your hidden talent?

I can bounce on a pogo stick and play trombone at the same time.

What do you wish you could do but can’t?

Foster children. My income and hectic schedule prevent me from being able to properly care for children, at the moment.

Who are the three people, dead or alive, that you’d love to have dinner with?

Alec Steele (Blacksmith on YouTube), Sally Ride and Astrid Lindgren.

How do you take your coffee?

I don’t drink coffee.

What’s the one album you’d take with you on a desert island? What embarrassing song do you admit to on your playlist?

The Planets by Gustav Holst. Not embarrassed but I love Send Me On My Way by Rusted Roots.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate, because I have a dairy allergy.

What is the last book you read?

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang and soon to finish Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes by Cory O’Brien.

What is your favourite TV show? What are you binge watching?

Avatar: The Last Airbender. Last Chance to See with Stephen Fry and Mark Carwardine.

What is your all-time favourite movie?

The Quartet (2012).