Stephen Ciesielski

I was born in Barrie on April 20, 1961, but grew up in Burlington.

After graduating high school at 17 years old, I joined the F.W. Woolworth Retail Management Training Program. By the time I was 19, I became one of the youngest store managers in Woolworth’s history. After 15 years, when Woolworth’s closed, I moved back to Ontario and developed a deep interest in the Green Party, driven by my commitment to protecting the environment.

Upon returning to Barrie, I took a job in telemarketing, which took me across Canada. With a baby boy on the way (who is now 30 years old), I wanted to be home more, so I started my own telemarketing business, raising funds for charities through benefit shows—one of which was the Green Party. What started as a small office with just three staff members quickly grew to over 50 employees in a few short years. However, after 20 years, due to illness and economic challenges, I had to close my business.

Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, which had already spread. My doctors gave me 2 to 5 years to live—yet here I am, now in year 7. While I have some physical limitations, I remain active, working from my home office and staying engaged in causes that matter to me.

If elected, I have both the time and the passion to make a meaningful impact for the Green Party in Barrie–Innisfil, particularly in fundraising and community engagement. Most importantly, I bring a positive outlook on life, and I strive to make the most of every day. Having fundraised for the Green Party for years, I would be honored to represent them and help build a stronger, greener future for our community.