Laval community sector raises funding, mental health and food security concerns with candidates
Three provincial election candidates took part in a debate organized by the Corporation de développement communautaire de Laval (CDC de Laval) on September 10 at Cinéplex Laval.
Virginie Dufour, Liberal candidate in Mille-Îles, Karine Cliche of Québec solidaire in Sainte-Rose and Parti Québécois candidate Amin Ouazragh-Marchand in Vimont-Auteuil participated in the event. The Coalition avenir Québec and Conservative Party of Quebec declined the invitation, according to the CDC.
More than 100 people attended, according to the organization.
Three priorities raised by community groups
The debate focused on three issues identified as priorities by CDC Laval members: community organization funding, mental health and food security.
The CDC says Laval organizations continue to face regional funding disparities at a time when demand for community services is increasing.
Mental health access was also discussed, particularly wait times for services, while food security concerns included rising demand for food assistance, the cost of living, housing expenses and transportation barriers.
Five additional questions submitted by community organizations addressed women’s living conditions, domestic violence and femicides, safety and menstrual equity, homelessness and the Le communautaire à boutte movement’s demands concerning community-sector funding.
Candidates questioned on local concerns
The three candidates presented their respective positions and proposals during the debate, which was moderated by political analyst Antonine Yaccarini. The CDC described the event as non-partisan and open to community organizations, residents and municipal elected officials.
The full debate was recorded and made available through the CDC de Laval’s Facebook page.
“As an actor in social development in Laval, the CDC de Laval is pleased to thank the three parties that agreed to participate in this democratic exercise,” said Marc Longchamps, executive director of the organization.
The CDC de Laval brings together community organizations working in different sectors across the city and aims to support the participation of the community movement in Laval’s social and economic development.
(A.G.M)
