An Ethiopian-Canadian is running as NDP candidate in the 28th Saskatchewan provincial election in Canada.
Ted Jaleta is running in the provincial election in Saskatchewan Canada scheduled to take place tomorrow. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ( CBC) list Jaleta as one of the top 10 candidates to watch in this election. He is running in the Regina Coronation Park.
Ethiopian Ted Jaleta came to Saskatchewan more than 30 years ago as a refugee. Since his arrival, he’s become a Canadian citizen, elite athlete and coach, and widely-recognized community hero.
Ted was born into a farm family in lush northwestern Ethiopia. From an early age, he knew the importance of education and spent years away from home to improve his own lot in life through schooling. Ted was on track to become a world-class long distance runner when civil war broke out in Ethiopia in the 1970s. He was caught in a peaceful demonstration, imprisoned and tortured.
After spending time in a refugee camp, Ted escaped with his life and immigrated to Canada in 1982 as a refugee. Ted credits Canada and its people for giving him a second chance, one that he is repaying over and over by sharing his message of hope, courage, hard work and a positive attitude.
Ted is the coach of the Jaleta Pacers running group. He recently retired from working as a federal civil servant. He is a former coach of the University of Regina track and field and cross country teams. He volunteers with the Open Door Society; the Paul Dojack Youth Centre; the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and the CRA Income Tax Volunteer program. He has led fundraising initiatives for the Regina Early Learning Centre; Chili for Children; the University of Regina Jaleta Pacers’ Scholarship Fund and has helped fund the building of a school in Africa.
Jaleta is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for community service; an inductee of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and recipient of the CRA Award of Excellence for community service. In June 2014, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Regina. Deana Driver’s award-winning book Never Give Up: Ted Jaleta’s Inspiring Story is a motivational biography of his life, so far. He also shares his story and message of hope and perseverance through inspirational and motivational speeches for groups all over Saskatchewan and Canada – including government and corporate events, at schools and with non-profit and charitable groups.
Jaleta is married and has two sons.
“I have witnessed life from many vantage points, and I appreciate how wonderful Saskatchewan is,” said Jaleta. “I believe in Cam Broten’s message – it can’t just be about the province doing well, it has to be about people doing well. That’s so inspiring – and I am hopeful the next part of my life’s journey will be about building the best province and best future for people, for families and for our children and for their children as they grow.”
Photo: Facebook – Ted Jaleta
