London, ON – The initial results of a survey of London and Middlesex County candidates running in the upcoming October 27th municipal elections have been posted online. The Middlesex-London Health Unit partnered with the London Community Foundation, London Poverty Research Centre, and the United Way London & Middlesex, in asking candidates questions that focused on poverty-related issues. Of the 177 candidates who were sent the survey, 73 had responded by 10:00 a.m. today, to nine questions covering topics such as poverty reduction, transportation, housing and the affordability of food.
To read the candidates’ responses, visit http://www.healthunit.com/hungry-for-action. While candidates had been asked to provide their responses in time for today’s release of the results, the Health Unit will continue to post answers as they are received.
“Poverty touches every community in this province, but most of us don’t see it everyday,” says Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Deep poverty has a serious impact on health, so it is our duty as a health unit to raise this issue. We are impressed by how many candidates are taking this issue seriously, and by the breadth and depth of their responses.”
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, there are some 10,000 children living in poverty whose families can’t afford basic needs, including nutritious food – negatively affecting their health and limiting their ability to contribute to vibrant communities.
Developed by an independant consultant based on a review of municipal programs and policies related to poverty reduction, the survey was revised locally then sent to all London and Middlesex County council and mayoral candidates. Questions asked candidates to provide their thoughts on the municipality’s role in poverty reduction and related issues, in addition to policies about affordable transportation and affordable housing.
The online survey is part of a collaborative local and provincial project involving 15 communities across the province and coordinated by the Ontario Society of Nutrition Professionals in Public Health and administered by local partners such as the Health Unit.
The local survey and the broader Ontario-wide project has been made possible through funding support from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Media Contact:
Trudy Sweetzir, Communications Assistant, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2448
Spokesperson:
Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit