Last night, Vibrant Communities Calgary hosted Poverty Talks, a panel discussion featuring aldermanic and mayoral candidates speaking with low income Calgarians.
The idea was for the candidates to ask the low-income panel questions about living in poverty and the second half the low income Calgarians would ask the candidates how they would address those issues in the upcoming election.
However, with nearly 20 people speaking, the panel didn't go quite as expected. Each Calgarian was introduced and raised their concerns. Then, if the candidates had something to say regarding that issue, they were able respond.
I was one of the low-income Calgarians invited to speak to the candidates about the issues regarding poverty and affordable housing that personally affect me.
It was great to have my voice heard, but more importantly it was great to hear the other issues that were being brought to the table. Among them were artist issues - what will the city do to create sustainable spaces for young artists to thrive. Living wage, support for society's vulnerable - senior citizens and those living with disabilities and redistributing the wealth were also raised. Everyone was passionate about the issues that are important to them particularly those who have experienced homelessness. Their frustration with the system of shelters, food banks and the variety of social agencies, were apparent as they challenged the candidates to do something about it.
While only 10 mayoral and aldermanic candidates out of the current 75 seems like a small number, it was just the right size to have a real conversation between candidates and Calgarians. There was little political grandstanding as Dan Meads, director of Vibrant Communities Calgary, moderated the discussion that was frank and honest.
Unfortunately, the event wasn’t well attended. These issues affect so many Calgarians – actually, they affect all Calgarians, so it is important that Calgarians hear what the candidates have to say and more importantly, have their voices heard by the people that will make up council. It’s great to see the people that did attend but really, more Calgarians need to be engaged for change to happen.
In attendance:
Candidates: Gian-Carlo Carra (Ward 9), Roger Crowe (Ward 12), Michael Hartford (Ward 4), Kent Hehr (Mayor), Paul Hughes (Mayor), Shawn Kao (Ward 14), Shane Keating (Ward 12), Jon Lord (Mayor), Naheed Nenshi (Mayor) and Wayne Stewart (Mayor)
Calgarians: Nigel Kirk, Tracy Ray Lewis, Sean Macalister, Fred Robertson, Selina Renfrow, Dawn Roll, Maximum Shaw, Mina Simi, Heather Smith
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