Questions for Your Candidates in the Upcoming Municipal Election

With the local municipal election happening Monday October 26th, it is important to know how our local candidates plan to address the issue of intimate partner violence in our community.

As candidates attend events, knock on your doors, or participate in debates, Nova Vita has compiled a list of helpful questions to ask candidates, to ensure the good work to end gender-based violence continues.

Here are some ways that you can start the conversation with candidates:

On Housing
“Many women and gender-diverse people experiencing homelessness have faced gender-based violence. Some survivors are forced to return to an abusive partner because they have nowhere else to live. What will you do to ensure survivors have access to safe, affordable housing, including more second-stage housing, where they can live safely while rebuilding their lives?”

On Community Safety Plans
“How will you ensure the municipality works with local organizations to better support people experiencing intimate partner violence? How will you support groups like BRAVE (Brant’s Response Against Violence Everywhere), ensuring their voices are heard in community safety plans, and have appropriate funding and support so they can make a real difference?”

On Engaging Indigenous Partners
“Indigenous women face much higher rates of violence, and Indigenous people make up a large percentage of those experiencing homelessness in our community. How will you make sure Indigenous women have a voice in decisions and are engaged as leaders when creating solutions to end gender-based violence and homelessness?”

On Funding
“In 2023, Brantford and the County of Brant declared intimate partner violence an epidemic. Organizations working to address this issue should be funded as an essential service. How will you advocate for stable core funding for these organizations that are working to end gender-based violence in our community and across Ontario?”

For more ways to help Nova Vita during this election season, please contact info@novavita.org. For local election information, visit the City of Brantford and the County of Brant websites.