We gave each council and mayoral candidate a questionnaire asking for their opinions and thoughts on a range of questions. We also instituted a strict word limit, with mayoral candidates given more space. Those who went over were told they would be cut off.
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Question What should be done to give voice to those who feel under-represented, or unheard, by government?
Mayoral candidates
Henry Braun
The changes implemented for public engagement, especially for the new OCP and Plan 200k have been outstanding. Obviously, there is always room for improvement and we are looking at how to improve two-way communication.
Trevor Eros
We should elect members of local government that WILL represent and listen to them, as well as present their thoughts in relevant decision making conversations. Everyone living in the city deserves to be heard equally.
Moe Gill
One of my natural characteristics is that I am approachable, sincere and welcoming. This is the environment that needs to be embraced at City Hall so citizens feeling under-represented or unheard begin to feel comfortable to voice their opinions.
Eric Nyvall
I door knocked 9,000+ homes this campaign. Councillors can learn from that kind of direct engagement. Actually listen!
Gerda Peachey
Average citizens are ‘The Unheard’. Revisit the extreme limits placed on giving the public a voice. 4 delegations/year for a 10 minute presentation to be begged for 10 days in advance, and maybe denied. Public meetings are a sham as decisions seem mostly made behind closed door.
Nadine Snow
By creating a better communication system to share information with our citizens to hear their ideas and concerns, we can make more of our residents feel heard and represented.
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Council candidates
Jas Anand
Give them a voice. Hear them out.
Bruce Banman
When I was the mayor I had an open door policy, as a councilor I would continue this tradition. Further, I would advocate the reinstatement of our committee advisory system. I always valued the grass roots ideas, from those who had interest and passion about
Les Barkman
I have found it quiet interesting the question doesn’t ask what I can do to be heard at all levels of government. Get evolved for the right reasons not agenda driven.
Sandy Blue
While much has been done more needs to be done. Let’s use technology as well as partnering to reach under-represented populations so they are heard. City will benefit from their input. Citizens will benefit from increased understanding of city services
Kelly Chahal
Meaningful engagement is critical in developing relationships with those who cannot get their voices across. As a government, it is our role to be inclusive, communicate to all and to listen. It’s our responsibility to be informed of the latest innovative tools used for engagement.
Vince Dimanno
I would support a 15 minute, open mic, question and answer period at the end of every Council Meeting, and implement a municipal ombudsman office to transparently collect and address feedback from citizens.
Brenda Falk
Being respectful to hear the needs of everyone in our community. Ensuring we have processes and opportunities for all to have access and to be heard. Giving Value to each voice. Bridging Gaps. Building Connections.
Aird Flavelle
Anyone can speak privately to the mayor or to a city councillor and anyone can be a delegation before council so every can be heard. It just takes education.
Harvey Jongsma
no answer
Dave Loewen
Provide regular hours for real-time, online conversations with staff and/or council members; SMS Messaging; having said that, the mayor has been very good at responding quickly to all emails; promotion of mobile Apps for reporting (several already functional).
Harry Manocha
By being available and willing to listen and work with them. By also being realistic and setting expectations. We should keep trying to raise awareness to whatever their issue is.
Paul Redekopp
I campaign on “Your Voice Matters” and I believe that. We need to bring back more conversation via online town hall meetings and in person town hall meetings giving everyone a forum to be heard. We need to be more relational and really listen.
Josh Reynolds
Council needs to reflect our demographics. Median age is 39, but everyone on council I believe is over 55. We need young voices representing young families, students, and youth. The OCP should have influence from people who will be here to see it implemented.
Patricia Ross
Take the extra time to be available to listen with an open mind and ensure those opinions, whether we agree with them or not are brought forward and respected. Continue to go where people gather, rather than expect them to always come to city hall.
Dave Sidhu
I feel that we already do a very good job. However, more community forums and more online platforms could be helpful. Of course, as a councillor I would personally work to create more opportunities amongst citizens.
Ross Siemens
We have had a record amount of public engagement in our planning process that we need to build on. Continue to listen respectfully and find innovative ways to get public feedback through technology.
Lawrence Tilley
We are doing it’
Dao Tran
answer their concern.