London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit, in partnership with the London Community Foundation, London Poverty Research Centre, and the United Way London & Middlesex, is asking candidates seeking office in the upcoming municipal elections to respond to a new poverty-focused survey launched this week. The online survey is part of a collaborative local and provincial project coordinated by the Ontario Society of Nutrition Professionals in Public Health and administered by local partners such as the Health Unit. The purpose of the project is to build awareness and support among decision makers for healthy public policy which assists in reducing poverty and food insecurity in Ontario.
The survey of London and Middlesex County council and mayoral candidates is part of a larger project involving 15 communities across the province. The results of the local survey will be posted on the Health Unit’s website at www.healthunit.com on September 29th.
“We have 10,000 children in Middlesex-London living below the poverty line. Families are struggling to make ends meet, and they’re seeking the support of social services agencies and food banks more than ever before,” says Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “How our municipalities respond will be crucial for our community’s future. This is an opportunity for candidates to make their opinions known.”
Close to 20 percent of London families currently live in poverty and while the number isn’t as high in Middlesex County, it is still concerning. As a result, some London and Middlesex County residents can’t afford basic needs, including nutritious food – negatively affecting their health and limiting their ability to contribute to healthy, vibrant communities.
The online survey was developed by an independant consultant based on a review of municipal programs and policies related to poverty reduction. It was revised locally and has been sent to all London and Middlesex County council and mayoral candidates. The survey asks candidates to respond to questions and provide their thoughts on the municipality’s role in poverty reduction and related programming, as well as policies related to affordable transportation and affordable housing.
The local survey and the broader Ontario-wide project has been made possible through funding support from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Spokesperson:
Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit