Together, We Rise

My Journey: From Patient to Advocate

I'm Callan Wassenaar, and I'm running in the Battle River–Crowfoot by-election because I believe politics should be grounded in real life, real people, and real change.

I received a life-saving liver transplant in 1988, after undergoing my first open-heart surgery as a child. Years later, in 2011, I had a second heart surgery—a reminder that the systems we rely on must be strong, compassionate, and accessible for the long haul. Living with Tyrosinemia and Tetralogy of Fallot has given me a front-row seat to the strengths and shortcomings of our healthcare and social support systems.

These experiences aren't just part of my story—they're the reason I fight for equity, access, and dignity in every policy I propose. My campaign, Callan for Change: Human Rights First, is built on the belief that human rights must come before politics, profit, or party lines.

Community Work: Building Solutions Through Shared Experience

Over the years, I've worked closely with organizations that support families through medical crises. I've partnered with HopeAir, which helps Canadians travel to medical appointments when cost is a barrier. I've collaborated with the David Foster Foundation, which supports families of children undergoing organ transplants. And I'm actively involved in local peer support groups for both Tetralogy of Fallot and Tyrosinemia, offering mentorship and solidarity to others living with rare conditions.

These communities have shown me the power of shared experience, and the urgent need for policy that reflects real lives. That's why I'm proposing bold, people-first solutions—like having the federal government take over shuttered provincial care facilities to ensure continuity of social supports, regardless of political shifts or budget cuts.

My Platform: A Movement for Human Dignity

I'm not accepting donations. I believe integrity should never be for sale, and that campaigns should be powered by truth, transparency, and trust—not money.

I'm fighting for:

• Universal access to care and support, especially for those living with chronic or rare conditions.
• Transparent, accountable leadership that listens before it legislates.
• A Canada where human rights are non-negotiable, and every person is treated with dignity.

This isn't just a campaign—it's a movement. A call for change that puts people first, led by someone who's lived the consequences of broken systems and is ready to fix them.

If you believe in compassionate leadership, I hope you'll stand with me.