Erich Jacoby-Hawkins has always been interested in issues revolving around social justice, a fair economy, and the sound environment that both depend on. Raised in the small town of Shelburne, Ontario, Erich learned that a community can be modest and walkable while still being livable and complete.

Erich’s support of activist and social justice causes began as a teenager, when he became a Foster Parent (and has been ever since). Erich has also been a long-time member and/or contributor to Environmental Defense Canada, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, and Amnesty International.

Erich studied Mathematics and Computer Science, then Anthropology, at the University of Waterloo, where he also took part in the cooperative learning program, working at 5 different corporations between school terms. Erich became aware of the political process, and the major parties, both as the editor of the faculty student paper and as a student representative on several governing bodies.

Erich spent 3 years teaching English conversation in South Korea, where he witnessed a number of different ways for a modern society to address problems of land, resource, economic, transportation, and social issues.

Over the past decade, Erich has been involved with various activist and community groups in Barrie addressing the environment (Environmental Action Barrie / Living Green), homelessness (Mayor’s Task Force and Barrie Out of the Cold), and the arts (Barrie Film Festival) and is a member of Toastmasters. He also founded Barrie’s federal Green Party association which ran a very successful campaign in the 2004 and 2006 elections, both times achieving 50% higher than the national and provincial averages. Erich also ran as the provincial Green Party candidate in the 2007 Ontario election, placing third (ahead of the NDP) in Barrie. Since his first election, Erich has been working with a team of engaged volunteers to ensure an enduring Green presence in the community.