“UNPAC’s Helpful Election Primers”

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10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CANDIDATES:

An election is coming! Lawn signs are coming up, the newspapers are full of promises, election forums are happening, and there are regular knocks on your door and brochures in your mailbox encouraging you to vote for a specific candidate.

Because candidates are eager for your vote, now is a great time to let them know what issues matter to you. You don’t need to be an expert on politics to say what’s important for you. As a citizen, your voice and opinions matter. So what should you ask?

1. How will you work towards reducing poverty and inequality in our community?
2. What will you do to increase the supply of affordable rental housing in our community?
3. What will you do to make child care more affordable and accessible in our community?
4. What will you do to increase public transportation options in our community?
5. What will you do to ensure that everyone has an adequate income particularly single mothers, people living with disabilities, and older adults?
6. What will you do to increase the minimum wage?
7. What will you do to promote healthy eating and access to nutritious food in our community?
8. What will you do to promote women’s safety in our homes and communities?
9. What will you do to improve health care services including mental health, midwifery and preventative health care in our community?
10. What will you do to make legal aid more accessible in our community?

If you feel comfortable, let your candidate know why these issues are important to you. You are the expert on your own life and can let them know what your experiences have been with long waiting lists for public services, an inadequate income, bad housing, lack of transportation options, etc.

An Election Primer by UNPAC Manitoba, April 2007. For more information, contact (204) 772-7876 or project@unpac.ca or visit www.unpac.ca