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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, December 3, 2009 · 8 Developer's son is Halton Green party candidate By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Matt Gilgan always knew he would run for politics -- but he didn't know the opportunity would come so soon. Gilgan was recently named the new Halton candidate for the federal Green Party. This is the first foray into politics for the 33 year old, who joined the party as a member this fall. Gilgan said he has always been passionate about the environment. Following a discussion with former Halton candidate Amy Collard at a Green Party event in the fall, he decided to combine his concern for the environment with his interest in politics. "What inspired me was the incredible opportunity to get engaged and be part of the evolution," he said. "There was a vacancy and I felt I couldn't resist." Gilgan was born and raised in Burlington. He now calls Oakville home, where he lives with his wife, Annette, and two-year-old daughter, Holly. He said being a father makes him even more conscious of saving the planet. "It (the environment) has always been really important, but it does become even more important," he said. Gilgan is the eldest of eight children. His father, Peter Gilgan, is president and chief executive officer of Mattamy Homes. Halton Green Party candidate Matt Gilgan Gilgan worked for Mattamy for many years until his departure about three years ago. He started off sweeping and shoveling at building sites as a teen, working his way up to vice-president of land and acquisitions. "I had learned a lot from Mattamy, but for a long time had been contemplating my readiness to leave," he said. Many environmentalists and residents have publicly accused developers, including Mattamy, of displaying a blatant disregard for nature and the environment in the construction of new homes in Halton. Gilgan agreed that developers in Halton could be more conscientious of the environment. "I'm also disappointed in the way things are turning out in north Oakville, Milton and north Burlington and I think there are a lot of opportunities for improvement," he said. "I think the model right now is people want to buy more house, but sometimes less is more, and we need more efficient housing. I also think there could be more emphasis on making foot and bicycle travel more realistic." Gilgan said town planning using environmentally sound practices is one of his priorities. "I think planning is going to be a big issue in north Oakville, Milton and north Burlington," he said. "It is one that I have a lot of exposure to and experience in, and where I feel I could be a help and get engaged. Transportation is another huge one for me, and food as well." Despite the departure from Mattamy, Gilgan said his father supports his bid for a seat in Ottawa under the Green Party banner. "He's supporting me as a son," he said. Gilgan said he hopes that people look past the Mattamy connection and see him as separate from the company. "That is the family I was born into, and that's what my dad does, and I left because it was a place I felt I didn't fit in anymore," he said Gilgan completed two years of post-secondary schooling at the University of Western Ontario. He has a certificate in computer animation from the International Academy of Design. He has also taken art classes at the Dundas Valley School of the Arts. Art is one of his greatest passions. Gilgan has recently been focusing primarily on his art, particularly oil paintings of local nature landscapes. "Up until six months ago, I spent a lot of time just painting for a year and a half and built up quite a portfolio," he said. "Art is a big part of my life." The past few months have seen Gilgan shift from art to growing the roots of a new business. "I'm self-employed right now, starting a green building and renovation company, as well as working on my art," he said. "Often, the most green thing to do is use as much of an existing house as you can and then use only materials that reduce energy consumption. I'm very interested in using natural materials and incorporating water collection and water re-use. The landscape is important as well, like using native or food-bearing plants as much as possible." Gilgan declined to comment on the controversy surrounding rookie Halton MP Lisa Raitt and her performance since being elected. He did, however, express disappointment in Stephen Harper's environmental policies. "I don't think he has done much for the environment," he said. "It's been money for big projects that benefit the few and not real concern for the environment." While it is anyone's guess when the next federal election will be held, Gilgan said he is already at work creating a website and will soon be knocking on doors and introducing himself to members of the community. The Halton Greens came in fourth with just under 5,000 votes, or seven per cent, in the last federal election in fall 2008. When asked about his chances of winning the Halton riding, Gilgan said awareness for what the Green Party stands for is his top priority. "I don't have any pre-conceived expectations," he said. "What I hope to achieve through my involvement in the campaign is to bring people's awareness to the Green Party platform as a very legitimate option and a preferable one." There was no shortage of fireworks in the Halton riding during the last federal election campaign, with sparks flying between candidates in the press and at debates. Gilgan said he is trying to prepare himself mentally to rise to the occasion. "I'm doing yoga and karate," he said. "I'm also doing lots of research, reading books about sustainability and energy issues." Gilgan had the chance to meet Elizabeth May, federal Green Party leader, at a recent event in Burlington earlier this month. He said she is a formidable leader. "I think she is great," he said. "I think she is very strong and I admire her conviction and her perseverance." For information on Matt Gilgan and the Halton Federal Green Party, visit www.haltongreens.ca.