Thoughts on Democracy Natasha Krstajic ’13
Press Secretary and Parliamentary Advisor to Ontario’s Attorney General Toronto, Ontario
Natasha Krstajic ’13 says there is no doubt in her mind that her education at Pickering College played a pivotal role in ultimately shaping her future career in politics. “In fact, I can pinpoint the exact ‘aha’ moment in Ms. Bartlett’s politics class when I realized my fascination with the subject. I recall we were learning about political leaders and other prominent figures, both past and present, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be involved in writing history,” she says. After graduating from Pickering College, Krstajic pursued a double degree in political science and international development at Queen’s University, followed by an MBA at Lund University in Sweden. She began her career in politics in a role with Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, working as the Director of Public Appointments. Since then, she has moved to her current role as Press Secretary and Parliamentary Advisor to the Attorney General of Ontario, the Hon. Doug Downey. Krstajic acts as the Minister’s spokesperson and is responsible for all aspects of public outreach and media relations from within the Minister’s Office. Both positions have afforded Krstajic with an in-depth understanding of the importance of government as a well-oiled machine and she has gained valuable insight into the inner workings of government institutions and the core functions of our political system. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about extraordinary challenges to nearly every aspect of life as well as to public institutions, including the justice system. “Professionally speaking, I’ve watched as Ontario’s justice system has been called upon to meet many challenges. To keep Ontarians safe and maintain the critical administration of justice, the Office of the Attorney General has worked swiftly and decisively,” she explains. “By making use of technology and innovative practices, we are gradually reducing the number of unnecessary courthouse visits, successfully putting more services online, and making it easier for people to access the justice system, no matter where they live in the province. As Minister Downey likes to say, “justice accelerated is justice delivered.” With regards to democracy, Krstajic admits it is not a perfect political system. Nevertheless, she says it is a powerful tool that brings us a step closer towards “achieving our fundamental freedoms, including liberty and respect for human rights, universal suffrage and the rule of law, and greater equality and accountability for all. I am honoured to play a small part in maintaining the good function of our democracy here in Ontario.” As for what’s on the horizon for democracy, Krstajic says it will be interesting to see how the advent of new forms of media will affect the political landscape. “I suspect the rise of new media, as well as the speed of communication and dissemination of information, will have radical implications on the ways in which citizens are socialized and educated on political issues.”
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ETHAN BONERATH RECEIVES ONTARIO VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD Grade 11 student Ethan Bonerath has been volunteering at a longterm care home near his house for the past three years, providing whatever support is needed: helping residents get to and from activities, delivering books and supporting performers who visit the facility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been able to continue volunteering by converting music from CDs to digital format, so that residents can enjoy it. He was hoping to work on a program connecting youth and seniors, but unfortunately the lockdowns prevented it from happening. Although his efforts have been interrupted, Ethan has no intention of discontinuing his volunteer work. “I love it there. I’m hoping to continue volunteering there even after my school. It just depends where university takes me and how far away I’ll be,” he says. In March 2021, Ethan received an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for two years of service. “It was nice to be appreciated,” he says of the award. Ethan’s father Ruben offered some words of support: “I’m really happy for him. It’s a lesson that there is recognition to hard work, dedication, devotion to a cause.”
