User:Gamji231/sandbox
Canadian author and social activist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tanner Evan Bergsma is a Canadian author and social activist from Stratford, Ontario. He is known for his advocacy on homelessness, housing insecurity, and LGBTQ+ inclusion in education. Bergsma has been profiled in Canadian local media for his activism and has spoken at municipal council meetings on issues of housing and social justice.[1][2][3][4]
Tanner Bergsma | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Stratford, Ontario, Canada |
| Occupations | Author, activist |
| Organization | Unity (advocacy group) |
| Known for | Youth activism, mental health advocacy, homelessness initiatives |
| Notable work | Rebirth |
| Awards | Kitchener Youth Action Council Social Justice Award |
Early life and advocacy
Bergsma grew up in Stratford, Ontario.[1]Bergsma has spoken about his experiences with housing instability during his youth in Stratford, Ontario, and how these experiences have influenced his later advocacy for affordable housing and homelessness policy.[3][5][6]
In 2026, Bergsma was featured by Wilfrid Laurier University for his advocacy work with youth and neurodiversity, highlighting his participation in global changemaking forums and community leadership roles.[7]
Bergsma has emphasized the importance of meaningful youth participation in public decision‑making. In a widely circulated statement, he said, “Youth are not here to decorate the margins of decision‑making, we’re here to reshape the center.”[8][9]
Activism
Housing and homelessness
Bergsma has been active in campaigns to address housing insecurity in Stratford and the surrounding region. In 2024, he called on Stratford City Council to take urgent action on housing and homelessness.[10]
He later contributed to proposals for local initiatives to tackle the crisis.[11][12]
He has also raised concerns at Brampton City Council regarding homelessness and access to housing in Peel Region.[13][14]
LGBTQ+ advocacy
In 2025, Bergsma participated in protests against proposed bans on Pride flags at Catholic schools in Waterloo Region. He told CBC News, “As a society, we cannot be divided … By banning the Pride flag, we are in fact dividing.”[2]
Public initiatives
In April 2018, Bergsma initiated a petition calling on the government to increase environmental protections in the resource industry, which was tabled by MP John Nater in the House of Commons.[15]