Being an Abandoned Child | Brendan Maguire | TEDxNSCCWaterfront

Brendan's community became his home when he moved from house to house after his parents left him with his three brothers and a sister when he was 4 at a shopping mall.

They never came back.

Although those communities became the connecting thread throughout the chapters of Maguire’s life, his childhood is defined by his grit.

Brendan Maguire was elected as the MLA to represent Halifax Atlantic in the October 2013 election.
Brendan ’s rich and varied work experience has taken him to Europe and back. He taught English as a second language in the Czech Republic and to new immigrants in England.
Brendan is also a committed and busy volunteer, lending his time and talents to HomeBridge Youth Society and Phoenix House. Brendan was an immigrant at age 4 and did not become a citizen of Canada until age 16. He understands the importance of immigration to the province and is proud he is able to call Nova Scotia home. Brendan grew up in foster care in several communities throughout the riding of Halifax Atlantic - Spryfield, Herring Cove, and Harrietsfield. His passion and love for the community is clearly evident in his and his wife Rena’s decision to live and raise their son, Oliver, here.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx