Dear Colleagues,
Municipalities are involved in an increasing number of policy areas – housing, health care, climate change, economic development, immigration, Indigenous reconciliation, and more. This requires work across, and cooperation among, multiple levels of government.
The Poverty Task Force has created a new page that contains information on poverty, voting and elections @ BruceGreyVotes.com (http://brucegreyvotes.com).
Poverty, Voting and Elections
The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force believes that poverty issues and poverty reduction strategies should be front and center in the upcoming municipal election.
People of all economic levels want: a steady income, a home that is safe and affordable; good health care and representatives in government that work together to improve our well-being.
These issues are reflected in our collective action on housing, income solutions, gender, diversity & inclusion and health equity.
Basic Income and Housing
A guaranteed basic income means that everyone’s basic needs are met in a dignified and sustainable way. Housing is more than just 4 walls, it is creating a home and foundation for people to thrive in. Listen to the voices of the RentSafe Advisory Committee in My Voice is Power.
Voting and understanding how local government works
Being informed about elections and exercising the right to vote influences the change we want to see in our communities.
The Poverty Task Force has compiled a list of resources that will assist in voting and understanding how local government works. It is important to understand the different levels of government and what they are responsible for when voting.
Centering Anti-Racist and Equity Frameworks in Anti-Poverty Work
We All Live Here (infographic) and a policy paper presented to the City of Owen Sound by Community Voices speaks to the need for more diversity and inclusion in municipal decision-making. Community Voices promote Diversity and Inclusion of People on Low Income in municipal government.
The Poverty Task Force has compiled a list of resources and tools on diversity and inclusion on municipal councils.
General Voter Information
- Voter Registration: It is important for people to ensure they are registered to vote by Sept 1st, 2022 since many municipalities have shifted to online or phone voting.
- Visit VoterLookup.ca or call 1‑866‑296‑6722 to make sure people are on the Voters’ List.
- The voters’ list will be prepared on September 1, 2022. If you want to add, remove, or change your listed information on or after September 1, you must contact your municipal clerk.
- Election Help Centres will be set up and they open up at various locations on Oct 14th. Oct 14th-24th: Online or phone voting is open.
Upcoming opportunities to learn more about Candidates
Owen Sound
- Sept 29: All candidates debate hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Bayshore Community Centre, 5:15pm.
- Oct 12: All candidates debate hosted by Rebound Owen Sound at the Harmony Centre.
Flesherton
- Aug 24: Meet and Greet, Justin’s Oven, 7pm.
Sauble Beach
- Aug 28: All Candidates Debate, Sauble Christian Fellowship, 2-5pm.
Media News Release
A Media Release will go out on August 24th.
- Please share the new link @ BruceGreyVotes.com (http://brucegreyvotes.com).
- We encourage all PTF members to use these materials at all candidate debates in each municipality and in meetings with individual candidates.
- Please send us information on debates happening in your community.
- Please encourage people to register to vote!
Stay well, Jill