The last forum for candidates in the Town of Antigonish and Antigonish Co. before voters go to the polls happens Friday.
Members of the Antigonish Poverty Reduction Coalition are hosting their online Antigonish Town and Co. Municipal Forum on Poverty.
Wyanne Sandler, the chair of the coalition, tells The Hawk local initiatives are important.
“Municipal councils have an important role to play in addressing poverty; even though we often think of provincial and federal levels of government as having more of a role, actually, at the local level, there’s a lot that we can do,” she says. “Accessibility, addressing food security, addressing accessible and affordable transportation- all of those are important parts of making sure that everyone is able to participate fully in our communities.”
Sandler says municipal politicians are the feet on the ground when it comes to fighting poverty.
She says communities need local politicians with a plan.
“Our communities are stronger- and everyone benefits- when everyone is able to participate fully,” she says. “I think just addressing the issue and making sure that they’re making commitment to take steps is an important first part.”
Sandler says they required each participant to commit to one action to reduce poverty to take part.
She says most candidates- and half of the acclaimed councillors- have agreed to attend.
The forum is from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.; municipal elections take place across the province Saturday.
