A Seat at the Table: The Founding of FOLSAT and the Fight for Representation

In 1984, driven by a deep concern over the lack of racial representation in Ontario’s electoral politics, Trevor Wilson, a well-respected community leader, reached out to a diverse group of ethno-cultural community leaders to push for meaningful change.

Determined to act, they met with the leaders of the three major political parties: Frank Miller (Progressive Conservative), Bob Rae (NDP), and David Peterson (Liberal). While all three listened, only David Peterson embraced the proposal to fully engage racial minorities in the politicalbprocess.

At a time when such inclusion was far from popular, Peterson demonstrated visionary leadership. With his support, the Ontario Liberal Party welcomed the participation of racial minority communities, recognizing their potential as valued contributors and voters. Communities including Chinese, Black, Indian, Korean, South Asian, and Filipino began organizing and mobilizing their members for political involvement.

The concept

The concept of the Federation of Ontario Liberal Party Satellites (FOLSAT) didn’t come easy. In the broader society and on political boards across Ontario, the inclusion and participation of visible minorities was virtually non-existent, and the push for representation was met with resistance by some within the Ontario Liberal Party itself. A few opposed giving diverse communities a voice through which they could articulate their aspirations, including their longing to participate in Canadian society as full partners. But progressive minded Liberals won the day and FOLSAT became an official OLP initiative.

To ensure structured engagement, the Federation of Ontario Liberal Party Satellites (FOLSAT) was formally established in 1985. FOLSAT became the official liaison between these communities and the Liberal Party. Each community formed its own organization with elected executive body and appointed a president to sit on the FOLSAT board, which met monthly withthe Ontario Liberal Party Executive to discuss party matters, policies, and community engagement.

The executive and leadership

Following internal discussions about representation and cultural identity, in recognition of the multi-racial and multi-ethnic peoples that make up the Caribbean community, the Black and Caribbean Liberal Association (BCLA) was established in 1986.

Norma H. Telfer was elected as its first president with 90% of the vote. Her formidable executive included:

• Peter Deboran (Executive Vice-President)
• Connie Lampkin (Treasurer)
• Keith Spence (Finance)
• Pauline Cheeks (Policy Chair)
• Sherene Shaw (Communications)
• Sheila Bello (Secretary)

Directors: Carlton Stewart, Errol Massiah, Roy Williams, Jean Gammage, Ashley Bernadine, Wilbur Wright, Tony Bello, and Eric Padmore.

Other FOLSAT leaders included:

• Linda Wong (Chinese)
• Veda Rangan (Indian)
• Yasmin Ratansi (South Asian)
• Brian Kim (Korean)
• Rick Falco (Filipino)
• FOLSAT members significantly contributed to the Ontario Liberal Party through membership drives, fundraising, and policy development. In 1987, FOLSAT organized one of the largest political rallies at L’Amoreaux Collegiate in Scarborough, attracting thousands, predominately people of colour. That same year, the Ontario Liberal Party won a historic majority.

Two racial minority candidates—Bob Wong (Chinese), Murad Velshi (South Asian) were elected and joined Alvin Curling (Black, elected in 1985) at the Legislature. Sherene Shaw was also elected to municipal office as a city councillor in 1988.

Regular consultations

The Premier’s Office regularly consulted with FOLSAT on issues affecting their communities. Monthly community events were held where MPPs and Cabinet Ministers were invited to meet community members, building meaningful relationships and fostering inclusion. Premier David Peterson and Party President Don Smith treated FOLSAT as true partners. Gwen Robb, Vice-President of the Party, was assigned as the FOLSAT contact, and she participated in many of their events. The party, in consultation with FOLSAT, appointed a coordinator at the party’s office to administer FOLSAT affairs. Errol Massiah was appointed to this position.

In April 1988, Norma H. Telfer was elected Vice-President of Policy at the Ontario Liberal Party’s Annual Meeting in Ottawa—becoming the first racial minority to serve on a provincial political party executive in Ontario. Her election was driven not only by her merit, leadership, and the value she brought to the party, but also by her personal appeal as a vibrant and engaging champion of Liberal values at the time. Under Peterson’s leadership, many racial minorities with needed skills were appointed to government boards and commissions through Orders-in-Council.

Peterson’s government also commissioned the “I Count” survey to assess racial minority representation in the Ontario Public Service.

FOLSAT’s enduring legacy is one of empowerment, inclusion, and transformative change. The seeds planted in 1984 continue to shape Ontario’s political landscape today. We thank Premier David Peterson for his courageous and visionary leadership in advancing equity within the political process. FOLSAT is a demonstration of leadership that stood as a beacon for others to follow.