The Ontario Provincial Election takes place on October 6, 2011
Ontario Provincial Candidates’ Campaigns – On the Spot Accessibility Check
The Government Relations and Advocacy team has been visiting Toronto campaign offices for a cross-section of candidates running in the October 6, 2011 provincial election. We’re dropping off a "Summer Greeting" postcard that includes reminders about what it means to be accessible to constituents and volunteers with physical disablities or mobility challenges. Check for frequent updates about what we’re finding out across the GTA!
Campaign Advocacy – Monday August 30
We’re finding that campaign officials and candidates having built accessibility into their planning. Great stuff! Two offices from today’s journey in the GTA really stand out. Our first shining star is Sara Thompson, the Liberal candidate in Trinity-Spadina, who has an office on Bloor Street that has great physical accessibility and a group of volunteers and staff who really seem to understand how to welcome and include anyone with a disability. The other candidate that stands out among everyone so far is Rocco Rossi, PC candidate for Eglinton Lawrence. Rocco, you’re a great guy, but we have to tell you that you have the most inaccessible campaign office of any election campaign we’ve seen in the last half decade.
- From your Government Relations & Advocacy team out on the road.
Friday, August 26th, 2011
Friday was the first day of Ontario Election Campaign Outreach. Off to a fantastic start. Great reception and comments on the card from MPP Michael Prue’s staff in Beaches East York. Always a pleasure visiting these folks.
Quick chat with campaign staff in Toronto-Danforth Liberal candidate, Marisa Sterling, who explained that accessibility was a key factor in selecting a campaign office. Not 100% accessible, but hey, you can get through the door!
What was meant to be a quick visit to MPP Kathleen Wynne’s campaign office in Don Valley West was lovely discussion about integrating accessibility into all aspects of planning and execution during an election. Two thumbs up on the Season’s Greetings card!
Beaches East York PC candidate, Chris Menary, not only has an accessible office on O’Connor Drive, but explained that making sure that his campaign included Ontarians with disabilities was a absolute necessity. Always refreshing to hear a candidate speak of his or her knowledge of disability issues, and Chris certainly has that.
- From your Government Relations & Advocacy team out on the road.