Join me as we build a future founded on honour, accountability, local leadership and genuine community spirit councillor candidate candidates for councillor running for councillor
Learn why Walter is running and how he will truly fight for you! councillor candidate candidates for councillor running for councillor
Walter’s story is one of transformation through hardship and hope. Born in Guatemala amid a turbulent civil war, he faced personal loss and displacement from an early age, experiencing the heartbreak of losing his brother and living in constant conflict.
To secure his safety, his courageous parents sent him to North America as a refugee claimant. In Ontario, Walter faced the stark realities of homelessness and the challenges of living with a learning disability. Yet, inspired by the generosity and solidarity of the local community, he transformed his life through hard work and unwavering faith.
Today, Walter stands as a successful professional with 10 years of experience in the Federal Government, the top of his MBA class (with honours and as salutatorian), a Doctoral candidate in Social Sciences, and a recipient of multiple scholarships, including the highly coveted Provincial Scholarship. Want to learn more? Go to the About Walter section here councillor candidate candidates for councillor running for councillor
Please reach us at alvarez4council@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Answer:
My journey—from surviving war and the loss of loved ones to rebuilding my life as a refugee—has taught me that true strength comes from community. Those early struggles opened my eyes to the fragility of opportunity and the importance of every voice being heard. I’m running for Toronto City Council because I want to turn the lessons I’ve learned into real action for our neighbourhoods.
I believe our city deserves leaders who combine transparency with compassion. As your councillor, I’ll champion the needs of those who too often go unheard—newcomers, families on tight budgets, seniors living alone. I’ll fight for clear decision-making at City Hall, so you always know how and why your tax dollars are being spent.
I take inspiration in leaders like our former councillor now MP Jennifer McKelvy, who did SRP very proud As Deputy Mayor, leading indeed the entire city—through a period of political turmoil with a steadfast focus on good governance and data-driven solutions. Her example of transparent, principled leadership inspires me as a future scientist (PhD candidate) and underscores why continuity of accountability matters now more than ever.
My commitment to public service isn’t theoretical—it’s personal. Resilience, hard work and an unwavering sense of responsibility have carried me through my darkest days, and they fuel every idea I bring forward. I’m ready to listen, to learn and to work alongside you, building a stronger, kinder Toronto for everyone.
Answer: My immediate concern is listening to the people of the riding that I have called home for many years and immediately upon being elected provide eloquent, strong, and truth-to-power, efficient advocacy for the rights of the people of the riding, at a time where there is no councillor advocating for them. I also aim to address issues such as affordable housing, improved public transit, and environmental sustainability. By fostering stronger citizen engagement and ensuring that local policies represent every voice, including the marginalized, I plan to help create a community where every resident feels heard and valued. My background in public service and international collaboration has provided me with the tools to advocate for smart, sustainable development that benefits all.
Answer: My diverse experiences have uniquely equipped me to serve in this capacity. As an appeals officer and in other professional capacities at the Federal level, I have navigated complex policy bureaucracy, always advocating for fairness in service. Leading the team at CBU during a UN Model program, I honed my skills in international collaboration and strategic communication. Additionally, my involvement in the global project “The Meaning of Humanitarian Innovation” allowed me to engage with innovators and academics across borders—leveraging my bilingual skills in English and Spanish, along with A2 level French. These experiences, combined with my personal journey of overcoming adversity and embracing introspection, enable me to bring a balanced, empathetic, and effective approach to public service.
Answer: I consider myself a centrist liberal. My commitment to liberal values—such as individual freedoms, social progress, and inclusive governance—remains steadfast, but I also believe in a pragmatic, balanced approach to policy-making. As an MBA graduate specializing in community economic development, I understand that thriving businesses—especially small businesses—are fundamental to local economic growth. I am committed to fostering an environment where entrepreneurship can flourish in our riding, ensuring that business owners have the support, resources, and policies necessary to succeed. By prioritizing both economic vitality and social equity, I aim to create a community that is both prosperous and inclusive.
I believe working people are already carrying more than their share of burdens—rising costs, tight budgets, and limited time. In good conscience, I can't ask them to give money they may need for essentials. Even though I’m running this campaign with minimal resources, I trust that the residents of Scarborough–Rouge Park will respond to a message built not on money, but on hard work, hope, and advocacy.
This campaign is powered by my personal journey—from growing up in extreme poverty and surviving war to becoming a successful professional. I’m here to serve, not to profit. If you'd like to support our mission, consider joining us in canvassing, distributing flyers, or simply sharing the word. Your voice and your time are far more valuable than a donation.