Who will be the next MPP for Scarborough Southwest? On Tuesday, August 18, candidates vying for the seat discussed issues of affordability, health care and more at a debate co-hosted by Daily Bread Food Bank, West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre, Scarborough United Neighbourhoods and South Asian Women’s and Immigrants’ Services.
Over 120 community members attended the event in person and 107 people joined the livestream. Centre 55 Executive Director Reza Khoshdel served as moderator. Participating candidates were:
Dr. Noor Tarun, PC Party of Ontario, was invited but declined to come.
This debate brought issues of poverty and food insecurity front and centre at a time when food bank use is at historic highs.
“What we’re seeing right now is unprecedented,” said Sahar Raza, VP of Research and Advocacy at Daily Bread Food Bank, during her opening remarks. “One in 10 Torontonians currently has to use a food bank. One in 10. We should be shocked and appalled by that statistic. And behind every food bank visit is a person or family who is doing their best to get by.”
Candidates fielded questions on income supports, child care, affordable housing and more before diving into a rapid-fire segment when they quickly answered whether or not they agreed with a list of position statements. They then had the opportunity to pose questions to each other, respond to questions from the audience and give closing statements before ending the debate.
Candidates from political parties that have at least one member in the legislature were invited to speak at the debate. Other candidates were welcome to attend the event and distribute materials. Michael Perdelwitz, an independent, gave an opening and concluding speech.
We are so thankful to our community partners, moderator Reza Khoshdel, candidates and attendees for such an engaged event. The by-election is on September 3 — make your voice heard and vote!
Photo credit: John Ardosa-Morinaj
