Getting to know your Federal candidates: York-CentreElection time is just around the corner and Canadians from coast to coast are preparing to participate in a pretty big election. For over a decade our country has been run by the Harper Conservatives, and on Monday, October 19 we’ll be given the opportunity to possibly change that. As citizens of this country we have the right, privilege and responsibility to participate in a democratic election. It’s up to us to do our research, ask questions and equip ourselves with the right tools to elect the right people who are going to represent us on every level of government, in this case federally. As we approach Election Day, ask yourself how the current government makes you feel. If you are not happy then it should serve as motivation to participate in the 2015 federal election. In this issue you can learn more about the three major party candidates running in this election in your riding.Darnel Harris serves as Director and President of Regenesis, a post-secondary based environmental, social justice and community organization. He helped to launch YUM! –York University Farmer’s Market and has secured space for a new community bike centre that serves the Black Creek community. His involvement in Breaking Down the Barriers to Biking in the Black Creek Area, a major research project, has laid the foundation for bike infrastructure and programming at York University and in the Black Creek community. Harris recently earned his Master of Environmental Studies from York University and served as the graduate student representative on York University’ Board of Governors where he served on the Land and Property and Marketing, Communications & Community Affairs Committees, from 2013-2015.Liberal: Judy SgroJudy Sgro has been the Liberal Member of Parliament in York-West since 1999. As Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Sgro championed family re-unification policies and worked to ensure that Canada’s immigration system is fair and compassionate and currently serves as the Liberal Critic for Industry. Prior to joining federal politics, she represented North York municipally, focusing on poverty and crime reduction. She was appointed Chair of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Urban Issues, during this time she helped to mold a national urban policy on issues like funding for social housing, crime mitigation strategies, and strategies to promote human rights and religious freedoms around the world.Conservative: Kerry Vandenberg Kerry Vandenberg is a former Canadian Armed Forces Officer and is committed to ensuring that families, youth and seniors live in a Canada that is prosperous, safe and affordable. Vandenberg has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Neuroschience from McMaster University and has an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, he has also worked as a business consultant and advisor to elected officials.(ARTICLE CONTD PAGE)We asked each party candidate several questions to better help you understand how they will represent you in the community.Downsview Advocate:“How will your party address the issue of people, with disabilities, living below the poverty line due to the inadequate federal disability pension?”Darnel Harris - NDP:“Within our first six months in office, we will sit down with our provincial partners across the country to put in place a strong plan for change. Here in our community, that will mean people living below the poverty line will benefit from the affordable housing generated from our national housing strategy. We will also increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement to ensure people with disabilities can live with dignity.”For more information or to contact the campaign office visit:http://darnelharris.ndp.ca/aboutDownsview Advocate: “What do you think is important for the community & what would your party do for our community at a local level?”Judy Sgro - Liberal:“The Liberals (Justin Trudeau) and I want to help by; sending families a tax-free, monthly child benefit of up to $533 per child; offering a 7% tax cut to middle-income workers (saving you $600 each year); and sy asking the wealthiest Canadians to pay a little more so you can pay a little less. The Liberal Party has made a decision to generate policy options that put people first.We will address local problems with national solution.”For more information or to contact the campaign office visit:https://judysgro.liberal.ca/Kerry Vandenberg -Conservative:Did not answer any questions.For more information or to contact the campaign office visit:http://kerryvandenberg.ca/