Hello and a warm welcome to my fellow Zone 4 (Bay & Kitchissippi wards) residents! 

My name is Emily Quaile and I am running to be your next Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Trustee. I am an experienced community organizer, a tireless human rights advocate, a proud queer mom of two young OCDSB students, and an overall policy nerd! I grew up in Hintonburg and am proud to call Westboro my home for most of the last ten years.  

When I was an OCDSB student during the Rae and Harris years (1990-2003), I went to 5 different schools due to school closures, program reductions, and the deep cuts to public schools that defined that era. The OCDSB was put under supervision back then too, only to make deep cuts to the programs my peers and I relied upon. I refuse to stand by and let this happen again -  to my children, and to yours.

My background

After high school in Ottawa, I moved to Montreal to obtain my BFA in Theatre. I worked in multiple restaurants in Montreal, improved my bilingualism, and worked as a director and actor in theatre. I lived in Toronto for a few years, working in theatre and restaurants before returning to Ottawa. Since I've been back, I obtained a BA in Political Science, a MA in Political Economy, worked at Union613 as a bartender, organized successful counter-protests to hate rallies, and became a mom to my two beautiful kids! I am proud of my diverse education and work experience, and believe that the skills I have will serve you well if I am elected as a trustee. 

From my work in theatre in Montreal and Toronto, I have extensive experience leading teams of creatives on a tight budget with a hard deadline. When I moved back to Ottawa in 2013, I pursued my second degree in Political Science. I won a Senate Medal for my academic achievement, and focused my studies on central banking, economics, labour history, and the effects of austerity in Canada.

Shortly after my second child was born, I decided to pursue my MA in Political Economy, researching the socio-economic conditions of fascism and far-right ideology. When I saw the Convoy roll in, I knew I needed to contribute to our understanding of how fascist movements grow and what we can all do to prevent hate from taking hold in our society. Graduating with my MA earlier this year, while parenting two young children, is one of my proudest accomplishments!

I have a deep passion for being of service to others.

I am proud to have been of service to my community as a theatre maker, restaurant worker, researcher, writer, and movement organizer. 

If elected, I will serve the school communities of Zone 4 with the same passion, integrity, and empathy I bring to everything I do. 

Emily listening to a speech while serving as a marshal at the 2026 May Day march. 

I have delivered multiple guest lectures at university courses and have been a panelist at local events covering important issues. At academic conferences I have presented my own research and have been honoured to be a keynote speaker. I have trained and worked closely with labour organizers, been elected to my local union executive (CUPE 4600), and learned how to lead with empathy and bravery. I am especially proud of my work organizing with Community Solidarity Ottawa, a group that has been on the front lines of protecting community against hate since the Convoy in 2022. In May 2026, I published a chapter in Confronting the Resurgent Right (U. of Manitoba Press) about the June 9, 2023 defense of Broadview Avenue schools and our collective struggle against hate. I am currently working on my next publication.  

Why I am running

Our public school system is central to our democracy and worth fighting for. I have read a lot of academic research about the socio-economic outcomes of a robust public education system. When societies invest in free, quality public education, everyone benefits. My spouse used to teach at the elementary level, and we have many education workers in our circle of close family and friends. We know from our experience and academic knowledge that well-resourced public schools are integral parts of a healthy democratic society where all kids are given the tools they need to succeed. Educators, experts, students, and their families have been so consistent in their demands for a better funding model. We have the academic proof, but now we need the political will to get it done. My experience building coalitions and organizing local communities will ensure that our voices will be heard at Queen's Park and by the leadership at the OCDSB. 

We are surrounded by rising hate in our society, driven by misinformation and scapegoating. I have been on the front-lines defending our communities from hate rallies in recent years. I do not want my kids to have to fight this same fight when they are adults. One way to ensure less hateful adults in the future is to teach children and youth the importance of empathy and respect. Our public school curriculum is grounded in fact-based education about the diversity of the human experience. I will never waver from a full-throated defense of human rights and dignity for all. 

I believe that the needs of local school communities should inform budgets, not the other way around. Budgets are not neutral documents. They are so much more than mathematical equations. Budgets and the policies behind them deserve thoughtful, rigorous, and critical analysis. We all know that public schools are founded on principles of equality, but when when budget cuts come into effect, it is always the most marginalized students that pay the price. OCDSB has recently cut Indigenous support workers by half, and cancelled a drag storytime that was organized by a parent council. Special education programs are constantly under threat of more cuts, despite growing waitlists and parent-led advocacy for expansion. Budgetary restrictions are a political choice and one that we must have a say in. My academic experience and passion for evidence-based policy will highlight the facts to other levels of government, shed light on structural problems, and help us all advocate for the solutions we so desperately need.

Right now, the position of trustee is so uncertain, but the work of a trustee has only grown. If elected, I will work tirelessly and enthusiastically to amplify local voices and ensure that the board and province understand our needs. I will communicate clearly with the community about what I hear from the board and province, and champion the solutions that our local school communities demand.

Emily, her spouse, and their two kiddos enjoying an autumn ride through a local farm.

Fun things about me! 

I love to cook! Cooking is one of my creative outlets, and I love exploring our farm share box of vegetables during the summer and experimenting with new recipes. I have a little herb garden on my deck and my kids love to help me micro-harvest for dinner! I might not be behind a bar anymore, but I love to make cocktails for friends and guests at parties. I made a few wonderful syrups this summer from fresh berries and herbs, and I usually have some fermenting project on the go. If you see me window shopping at Kitchenalia for spices or gadgets, I'm in my happiest of happy places!

I have been an avid reader my whole life, and since finishing my MA, I am finally getting back to reading fiction! I'm reading Kim Stanley Robinson's Ministry for the Future which is a very well reviewed book set in the near future during increasing climate disasters. It is the first on my very long list of highly recommended books! I am also revisiting the Hobbit as I read it aloud to my kids (and have learned my character voice work is not what it used to be!). The last bookstore I was in was Spaniel's Tale, which is in the same spot that a corner store was when I was growing up. I adore how that storefront sold me Archie comics in the 90s and now, is selling me a novel for my daughter to devour! 

My favourite way to get around the city is on my bicycle. Some of my favourite memories growing up are biking down the river path. It's one of the most beautiful things about Ottawa and it brings so much joy to be able to share this with my children! Biking to two of the beaches in our zone with my daughter this summer is a highlight for us both. 

I'm learning to love strength training after a knee injury last fall, and cannot wait until I feel strong and agile enough to take more dance classes. I took a hip-hop class last year with a couple friends and we had an absolute blast trying to keep up with the choreo. Once my knee is strong enough, I cannot wait to dance again! 

Right now, I'm enjoying painting my daughter's future room. Our kids are currently sharing a room but my eldest recently told us she wants her own space. We picked some fun colours together this summer and are working on a little design for the walls! 

Thank you for getting to know me a bit more, and I hope to meet you soon at your door or at a community event! 

Let's restore local democracy at our public schools! Election day is October 26th and there are many ways to get involved with my campaign:

Donating, canvassing in your area, sharing my campaign with your network, behind-the-scenes work, and putting up election signs across the zone! 

Most importantly, please get in touch with me at [email protected] to share your ideas, experiences, and the issues that matter to you. 

With warmth and gratitude,

Emily.

photo credits from top to bottom: c. flook, b. dorian, a friendly but unnamed fellow who snapped a cute family pic for us