Welcome to Extraordinary Life on CN Canada! I'm Karandeep, and today we’re joined by a truly inspiring individual—Diane Douglas. Diane is a community advocate, a dedicated social worker, and someone who has made significant contributions to the growth of Malton, Ontario. She even ran for political office. Diane, thank you so much for being here today.
Diane: Thank you! It's a pleasure to be here.
Karandeep: Let’s start with your roots, Diane. Where are you originally from?
Diane: I’m from Sarnia, Ontario—a small border city just outside of London. Growing up near Lake Huron, nature was a big part of my life. My family has deep roots in Canada—four generations on one side and five on the other. I think that history really shaped who I am today.
Karandeep: That sounds like a beautiful place to grow up. What about your education? How did that shape your career and community work?
Diane: I actually didn’t know what I wanted to do for a long time. I felt a lot of pressure to make decisions early on, so I kept changing my mind. At first, I thought about studying medicine, then security work, and eventually, I settled on Social Work at the University of Windsor. But that didn’t quite feel right, so I switched to English Literature, which turned out to be a great choice. After university, I worked in sales, where my communication skills came in handy—and well, I’ve been talking ever since! (laughs)
Karandeep: Communication has clearly played a key role in your journey. It sounds like your family has also been a strong support system for you, especially with your involvement in social work and politics. Can you tell us more about that?
Diane: Absolutely. My husband, Colin, has always been my biggest supporter. He’s helped with everything, from organizing events to handling paperwork. Sadly, both of my parents have passed, but they were incredibly supportive, especially during my political run in 2014. Even though Colin had suffered a stroke that year, he remained my cheerleader, supporting me from his hospital bed. I’ve been really fortunate to have such strong family support.
Karandeep: That’s such a touching story. You’ve been incredibly active in social work and community advocacy, particularly in Malton. What inspired you to get involved?
Diane: A lot of it goes back to my upbringing and my faith. Faith was central to my life growing up, and it led me to join the Presbyterian Young People’s Society. Eventually, I became the chair of our Synod, which helped me develop my skills in organizing and supporting others. Later, I co-founded Hope: Helping Other People Everywhere Toronto, which has been raising funds for over 30 years. When I moved to Malton, I met people like Helen and Clem Burroughs—Helen, known as the “mayor of Malton”—who encouraged me to get involved in the Malton Community Festival. That’s also when I joined the board of Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS), where I’ve been working to support the South Asian community.
Karandeep: Your work with PCHS is remarkable, especially during the pandemic. Can you tell us more about that?
Diane: PCHS became a real lifeline during COVID. We provided food, information kits, and technology to seniors who didn’t have online access, allowing them to stay connected to our programs. We’ve always focused on mental health, violence against women, and diabetes—issues that are particularly prevalent in the South Asian community. The staff and volunteers at PCHS, about 120 of them, worked tirelessly to ensure no one was left behind.
Karandeep: That’s truly incredible. One of the programs you mentioned, “Why Are Good Men Silent?” focuses on raising awareness of violence against women. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
Diane: This program is crucial because it creates open dialogue around violence against women. It’s not just for one community but for all cultures. We also provide settlement services and address health issues like diabetes, which affects many in the South Asian community. The goal is to raise awareness and provide resources for those in need.
Karandeep: Your advocacy and community work are inspiring. You also ran for political office at one point. How did that experience shape your views on politics and community needs?
Diane: Running for office gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how politics operates. I had the chance to work as an executive assistant to a city councilor and saw firsthand how decisions are made. But what really stood out to me was how important it is to have authentic representation. During my campaign, I met people who felt their voices weren’t being heard. Even though I didn’t win, I learned a lot from that experience. One moment that really stuck with me was when a man came up to me in a store, thanked me for running, and said he had voted for me. That connection, that reminder of the importance of listening to people, was powerful.
Karandeep: What a powerful moment. You've clearly faced challenges in your life. Can you share a personal story about overcoming a major hurdle?
Diane: In 2004, I suffered a severe headache that wouldn’t go away. After weeks of pain, I went to the ER, where doctors discovered I had a brain aneurysm. At first, I didn’t realize how serious it was, but I later learned how dangerous it could have been. I was lucky and didn’t suffer any long-term effects, though I did have trouble with speech for a while. It gave me a deep empathy for people with speech difficulties, like those with dementia. I just kept reading and talking to recover. Thankfully, I’ve always loved to talk! (laughs)
Karandeep: That must have been terrifying. How did you manage to get through it?
Diane: It wasn’t easy, but I focused on healing. I was on medication for two months and gradually regained my speech. It taught me the value of patience and perseverance—the process of recovery isn’t quick, but it’s possible.
Karandeep: You’ve been a dedicated advocate for Malton. What changes have you seen in the community, and what are you still passionate about?
Diane: One of the things I’m most proud of is the youth hub behind Lincoln Alexander School. It’s a safe space for kids to get counseling and participate in activities. We’ve also seen new businesses, like Giant Tiger and Oceans, open in the area, which has made a big difference for people without easy access to transportation. We’ve worked hard to ensure Malton gets the funding it needs, especially when there were talks about splitting up the Region of Peel. We teamed up with over 100 nonprofit agencies to make sure the community received the support it deserves.
Karandeep: That’s amazing. Looking ahead, what are your goals for Malton and your personal journey?
Diane: I want Malton to thrive. I want the community to feel pride in their neighborhood, and I’m focused on ensuring access to healthcare, housing, and mental health services. Personally, I’m incredibly proud of my work with PCHS—we’ve grown so much, from a small budget to now operating with $12 million. But I’m not ready to step away just yet. I’m committed to ensuring a smooth transition when the time comes for someone else to take over as chair.
Karandeep: Let’s finish up with a fun rapid-fire round! Ready?
Diane: Ready!
Karandeep: If you were to write a book about your life, what would it be called?
Diane: Looking for Calming Waters. I love sailing and find peace on the water.
Karandeep: What’s one thing about Canada that still surprises you?
Diane: I’m always amazed by how kind people are here and how beautiful the country is. There are so many breathtaking places.
Karandeep: If you could have dinner with any political figure, past or present, who would it be?
Diane: Queen Elizabeth I. She lived in a time dominated by men but broke the mold and paved the way for women in leadership.
Karandeep: What’s a hobby most people don’t know about you?
Diane: I love flower arranging.
Karandeep: If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
Diane: I’d love to be a master woodworker—building cabinets and doing intricate carvings sounds like so much fun.
Karandeep: Lastly, what’s your message for the youth?
Diane: You can achieve anything you set your mind to. Follow your heart, stay curious, ask questions, and always find someone who can guide you along the way.
Karandeep: Diane, thank you so much for sharing your story with us today. We wish you all the best in your future projects!
Diane: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. I appreciate your time!