Steve is currently the Deputy Mayor for the Town of Shelburne and is a practicing senior lawyer with over 16 years with the Toronto Transit Commission where he has received a number of awards for his distinguished service. Steve has extensive community Board experience serving as the former Vice-President for the Ontario College of Kinesiology, Board Member with Prologue to the Performing Arts, Citizen Appointment for Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), Citizen Appointment for the City of Brampton task and is now currently serves a Director for Defence Construction Canada.
Regarding personal accomplishments, Steve was proud to be named by the Toronto Star as one of the Top 50 Jamaicans in the GTA in 2013 and equally proud of his acknowledgement by the House of Commons for his community service also in 2013.
Steve is a strong believer in family and is a proud father of 2 children Asia and Devante.
NCNC: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT THING TO DEAL WITH FOR YOU LIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC?
ANDERSON: The most difficult thing handle is the loss of freedom! The ability to go any place at anytime without restrictions. The loss of face to face contact with family, friends and co-workers has been extremely hard. Also, as a political figure, I really enjoy meeting and talking to my residents and this has been significantly impacted during the quarantine.
NCNC: HOW DO YOU COPE?
ANDERSON: I must admit that the biggest coping measure has been my faith! It has allowed me to stay positive when you inevitably have your down days. When I am reminded that God is with us regardless of the circumstances, it gives me the comfort I need to handle lifes challenges.
NCNC:HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE ISOLATION FROM OTHERS?
ANDERSON: I deal with the isolation from others by using the various interactive technologies such as Zoom, Instagram and Facebook Messenger. This may sound like ancient history but I pick up the phone and call people. With the lockdown, I know have more time to engage in meaningful conversations instead of the rushed exchange of pleasantries.
NCNC:HOW DO YOU KEEP FAMILY BUSY AND HAPPY ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN?
ANDERSON: My two children Asia and Devante are living independently in downtown Toronto as a result of attending University. I know a lot of parents are struggling with having young children at home as this can be difficult while trying to maintain your work from home requirements. In my situation, my children have taken on reading, creative art and exploring the outdoors as a method of distraction but also that of learning. I firmly believe that we should aim to be better individuals post Covid-19.
NCNC:HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED YOUR PERPECTIVE ABOUT LIFE IN ANY WAY?
ANDERSON: The pandemic has reminded me about the fragility of life and how I would like to spend precious time post Covid-19. The pandemic has revealed that many material things can be taken away from us at anytime. Building and nurturing relationships has now become a priority for me post Covid-19.
NCNC:WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE WHOLE SITUATION?
ANDERSON: During the Pandemic, I have noticed many people in the Town of Shelburne and beyond doing everything they can to support frontline workers and the most vulnerable and this has warmed my heart. Unfortunately, I have also seen racist attacks against the Asian and African communities in particular as they are being blamed for causing the Covid-19 crisis. Post Covid-19, we must continue to do better to support our most vulnerable in our society.
NCNC:WHAT ARE THE LESSONS YOU HAVE DRAWN FROM THE PANDEMIC?
ANDERSON: As a country we must do better to protect our frontline workers and the most vulnerable in our long-term care facilities. It is clear that we need to be more proactive rather than re-active when it comes to our overall health care system. Post Covid-19, this will require significant investments to ensure there is not a repeat in the devastation that we are currently witnessing. The Pandemic has also shown me that the collection of race-based data is extremely important in showing how this virus has impacted different groups in our society and the subsequent treatment received. The data will ensure that everyone in this great country gets the tailored support they need.
NCNC: WHAT TO YOU DO TO STAY CALM AND RELAXED?
ANDERSON:Currently, I am staying calm by listening to music, connecting with family, reading positive quotes and praying more. In addition, I am working on a book that I am hoping will be released later this year. Despite what is going on around us, we must stay positive and productive!
NCNC: WHATS YOUR ADVICE TO THE COMMUNITY?
ANDERSON: As a community, I ask that we stay loving, compassionate and supportive of our family members and those within our communities. It does take much to help other than a willing heart to do good! We have seen many people step up and make home made masks, raise funds to help the vulnerable or send heart felt messages of love and compassion to those who desperately need it. As a community, I encourage everyone to stay connected and positive as we will get through this together. If you are currently struggling mentally, dont be afraid to seek help from professionals who in many cases are providing free services. Stay strong, stay connected, stay blessed!
