20 tough questions social sector leaders would ask federal candidates in an election debate
Why It Matters
Issues directly related to social impact work rarely get much airtime during the campaign trail, let alone during formal debates — which are a chance for Canadians to parse out the nuances between the parties’ platforms, and ultimately choose which way to vote.
This election is, perhaps predictably, turning out to be hinged on who has the best plan for getting Canadians past the devastation of COVID-19, from strengthening healthcare systems to mental health action plans to how to go about securing access to childcare for those who need it. Not to mention ending the pandemic itself, which is still more actively raging in many parts of the world — namely lower-income countries. These are all things the social impact world cares about and works to address every day.
But social impact work as a sector itself rarely gets much airtime during the campaign trail at all, let alone during formal debates. So, we asked 15 leaders — working in sectors from social services to philanthropy to global development — what’s one question you’d ask all the party leaders to debate? Here’s what they said:
Andrew Boozary | Executive Director, Social Medicine and Population Health, University Health Network
“How do you intend to end the homelessness crisis in our country?”
Bianca Wylie | Co-Founder, Tech Reset Canada
“How do your plans for digital infrastructure uphold treaty obligations on lands subject to treaty? And how will you invest in our civic education, as Canadians, on ways to honour our treaty obligations?”
Carol Anne Hilton | Founder, Indigenomics Institute
“What [would be your] role and leadership in the emerging $100 billion Indigenous economy?”
Chris Duff | Interim Executive Lead, Canadian Council on Youth Prosperity
“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in large numbers of youth being unemployed, with some at risk of long-term unemployment which can lead to skills attrition and exit from the workforce. What policies or measures will your government take to support skills development for youth in this category so that they can effectively participate in the labour market?”
Cindy Blackstock | Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
“A 2019 legal decision from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found Canada’s ongoing discrimination towards First Nations children and families to be “wilful and reckless” in a “worst case scenerio” linked to unnecessary family separations at higher rates than in residential schools. Canada was ordered to stop its discriminatory conduct in 2016 but did not do so. Twenty non-compliance and procedural orders [against] Canada have followed and Canada’s non-compliance has been linked to the deaths of at least three children. What specifically will you do to end discriminatory inequalities across all federally funded public services so another generation of First Nations children are not hurt by the Canadian Government and when will all the inequalities be fixed?”
Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji | Manager of Development and Communications, Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area
“The YWCA put out a report earlier in the year about the feminist recovery post-pandemic with some clear recommendations on how to support bringing women back into the work force. Which of those recommendations are you willing to do and by what timeline?
“[And:] Budget 2020 promised a $400 million dollar investment in the community services relief fund. There have been many ideas on how to spend that money. What are your priorities when it comes to post-pandemic recovery for the charitable sector, in the short and long term?”
Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah | Executive Director, the Canadian Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity
“How does your party plan to implement, and sustain, the federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan in collaboration with 2SLGBTQ+ organizations across Canada?”
Doug Pawson | Executive Director, End Homelessness St. John’s
“We have seen dramatic increases in homelessness through the pandemic — with many graphic images of encampments being torn down across the country. We all know that relying on shelters and other emergency responses leads to poor health and housing outcomes and perpetuates vicious cycles of poverty. Given housing prices are reaching unaffordable levels for millions of Canadians, and that we are not building enough affordable housing fast enough, how will your government work to ensure housing affordability for our most vulnerable neighbours?”
“[And:] We’ve seen tremendous losses in the affordable rental housing market, as real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other real estate holding companies purchase affordable housing and then force evictions, leading to permanent losses in scarce affordable housing available across the country. Will your government commit to reviewing and divesting its investments, including those made through CPP-Investments, to companies that continue to purchase affordable housing and not replacing it?”
Fae Johnstone | Executive Director, Wisdom2Action
“2SLGBTQ+ communities face staggering rates of homelessness, poverty and violence in Canada. Our communities depend on local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations that provide essential services, including mental health support, peer groups, housing programs and food security initiatives, despite decades of neglect and underfunding from all levels of government. What specific steps will your party take to support 2SLGBTQ+ community organizations to build their capacity, expand their services and improve health outcomes in 2SLGBTQ+ communities?”
Hillory Tenute | Interim Executive Director, Canadian Roots Exchange
“What concrete actions would you take to meaningfully engage Indigenous youth in reconciliation? If elected Prime Minister, what immediate, concrete actions would you take to create space for and to support Indigenous youth leadership? Explain how you would use rights and reconciliation as tools to improve the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous youth.”
James Hughes | President and CEO, Old Brewery Mission
“Homelessness is on the rise across Canada. Reversing this worrisome trend will necessarily require significant public investments in supportive housing. How many units of supportive housing for homeless people will you fund over the course of your mandate?”
Kayla Isabelle | CEO, Startup Canada
“How is [your] government going to make it easier to start a business in Canada, and reduce red tape in accessing government support?”
Lauren Ravon | Executive Director, Oxfam Canada
“The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted women — as frontline health and care workers, workers in the hardest hit industries, and caretakers in families — and their labour market participation is now at a 30-year low. How will your party ensure that women can get back on their feet, and how will you prioritize gender equality in your recovery plans?”
Manvi Bhalla | President and Co-Founder, Shake Up the Establishment
“How are [you] ensuring that communities and groups identified as being structurally vulnerable and…disproportionately impacted by climate change are able to urgently and critically adapt to our changing environment and how are they investing in building long-term resiliency to minimize harms to these already underserved communities?”
Meg French | Executive Director, Stephen Lewis Foundation
“The inequality of COVID-19 vaccine distribution around the world is stark. While Canadians are enjoying unfettered access to vaccines, third doses in some cases, and even a surplus of shots, many countries are hovering around a 1-2 percent vaccination rate. This includes most countries in Africa where healthcare systems are under immense strain and the COVID-19 pandemic is impeding the treatment of other prevalent diseases such as HIV and AIDS. Several countries relying on COVAX, the global vaccine distribution program, have not received their full shipments, and global donations to COVAX so far will only provide first vaccinations for about a quarter of the world’s population this year. What would your government do to support a global vaccination strategy to ensure that everyone — not just those in high-income countries — has an equal chance at emerging from this pandemic?”
Mojdeh Cox | Executive Director, Pillar Nonprofit Network
“For Canada to meet its climate goals, we all must contribute. The social impact sector is one of Canada’s largest employers and a major contributor to our GDP, but sector organizations have long been encouraged by the regulatory environment to stay in their lanes, to remain focused on their individual missions. How will you make sure that non-profit organizations have the information and resources needed to be fully engaged supporters of our country’s climate goals, factoring in that it is an integral part of our collective commitment to reconciliation?”
Petros Kusmu | Global Civil Government Specialist, Deloitte
“In 20 years time, when we look back at this historic moment, what’s one legacy item you want future generations to remember from your tenure as Prime Minister of this country?”
Sabreena Delhon, Executive Director | The Samara Centre for Democracy
“People are leaving politics, not entering politics and steering clear of the political conversation because of toxicity online. It is a barrier to civic engagement. What is your party’s response?”
Samanta Krishnapillai | Founder, OnCanada Project
“What is something you have unlearned this past year, and how will your policy decisions going forward change to reflect this learning?”
Stacey Dakin | Managing Director, MENTOR Canada
“How does your party plan to expedite the recovery and wellbeing of youth post-pandemic?”
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