On Thursday, June 7th, Ontarians head to the polls. If you are a caregiver of someone with special needs, or a professional who works to support those with special needs you may have questions for your local candidates.

Here are some tips on seeking out information from all candidates. Over the next few weeks we will continue to update this list with local all-candidates debates for you to reach out to candidates in person.

Get Informed
In Ontario, there are four main political parties. Click on the links below to visit their websites, where you can read their party platforms.    

• Green Party
• Liberal Party
• New Democratic Party
• Progressive Conservative Party

There are also other parties that are part of our provincial system. A full listing of all registered provincial parties is available via the Elections Ontario website.       

Engage with Local Candidates

• When local candidates knock on your door ask them questions about what is important to you.
• Reach out on social media to ask questions. Most candidates will be active on Facebook and Twitter.
• Attend all-candidate meetings and debates. You can find out about when these are scheduled through your local papers or online.
• Encourage your family members and friends to vote based on the priorities that are important to them.

Not sure what types of question to ask? Try these as a starting point:

1. What is your party planning to do to support kids with special needs and their families?
2. What is your party’s plan to reduce wait times for kids who are waiting for service?
3. Do you have any plans in place to support increased service for kids with special needs?
4. How would you advocate for kids like mine at a provincial level? What provincial programs do you support?
5. What will your party do to ensure kids with special needs have appropriate support in the classroom?

Sometimes talking to candidates can feel intimidating, but remember your voice matters!

Here are some general communication tips to help you feel confident:

• Start by introducing yourself as a local constituent.
• Candidates may speak to you about their own party’s priorities. It is important to listen but try to find a way to focus the conversation back to what you would like to share or the questions you want to ask.
• Speak from the heart and trust yourself. When you talk about the services provided for children with special needs in your local area trust your knowledge and share why these services are important.
• Share personal stories and anecdotes about your child that help illustrate your point and demonstrate why it is important for candidates to include the priorities of kids with special needs and their families as part of their campaigns.

Wondering how to vote, what you need to do or where you can vote? Visit www.electionsontario.ca. 
 

2018-05-03