Mayoral Debates On Black Issues And Concerns Being Held

TORONTO, Ontario – The Diversity Advancement Network is organizing, both the Brampton Black Canadian Mayoral Forum that will take place on Friday, September 26 from 7:30pm and the Durham Black Canadian Mayoral Forum, which will take place on Sunday, September 28, from 5pm.

A release from the organizers states, “It’s very important to have Africans, Caribbeans and other minority groups involved in the conversation on who is the most capable person to get these influential positions.

“It’s important to have questions from these communities directed to the candidates with the hope of getting answers that will help many of us vote with knowledge of what each candidate stands for.”

It continues, “Our objective is to increase voters’ turnout from our community while leaving many feeling included in the electoral process. Thousands of visible minorities reside in both the Durham region and the city of Brampton, of which the African/Black Canadians are the largest.

“Most residents from these cities commute to other cities for work on a daily basis, our communities are relevant enough to be taken seriously. As such, the Black Canadian Mayoral debates provide an opportunity to meet and hear directly from the candidates running for Mayor in the cities of Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa and Whitby on Friday, and on Sunday, for the city of Brampton on topics that really matter, such as unemployment, development, child care, crime and safety and inclusion.”

Both evenings promise to be exciting, as Susan Fennell, Linda Jeffrey, John Sanderson, Dave Ryan, Devinder Sangha, Muhamma Haque, Miriam Wylie Steve, Bell Jacqueline, Donald McLeod, Lumy Omat, Ros Whitby, Bill Longworth, Waran Vaithilingam and Maurice Brenner have all confirmed their attendance, with others still yet to confirm.

Several community organization leaders, artists, business professionals, as well as diverse people of influence, are also expected to be present at these events. Invitation to the events are open to anyone interested in attending — even non-residents of Durham and Brampton — and is not restricted to any race, age or gender.

The organiser says, “We will be having a few candidates running for councillor in attendance to briefly talk about why they are running for office. We will also be acknowledging institutions that are making a difference in the community and a few other interesting celebrations at this event.”

The Brampton Black Canadian Mayoral Forum will be held on Friday, September 26, from 8pm to 10pm, at the Century Gardens Recreational Center, 340 Vodden St E, in Brampton.

The Forum in Durham  will take place on Sunday, September 28, from 5pm to 9pm, at the La Royal Banquet Hall, 185 Westney Road, South, in Ajax. For more details visit the organizer’s website at: www.blackcanadians.com.