Thursday October 3: Barrie debates to focus on Environment and Climate

Barrie-Innisfil and Barrie Springwater Oro-Medonte meetings are part of 100 Debates initiative

from Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition

Groups across Simcoe County are coming together to ensure that local candidates are transparent and clear about their intentions regarding the environment and climate change. As a part of the 100 Debates on the Environment initiative – a non partisan movement that will host over 100 debates across Canada – local debates will be held for Barrie-Innisfil and the BarrieSpringwater Oro-Medonte ridings on October 3.

Margaret Prophet, Executive Director of the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition – one of the main groups behind both debates, knows that people in the region really care about the environment. “Nationally, the environment is polling as the top issue for voters, and the same is true in Simcoe County where citizens have stood up time and time again in defence of water, farmland, and wildlife habitat. We recognize that the environment is the basis of our economy and our quality of life, and we think it’s crucial that they have the best information on issues that impact current and future generations.”

The debates have created unique partnerships among anti-poverty advocates, faith based organizations, environmentalists, and youth activists.

“The environment isn’t partisan, it’s physics. Taking care of the planet and each other shouldn’t be a wedge issue. We know that most people want to see action on this issue. That’s one reason why we are seeing more diverse coalitions and partnerships coming together around it. Politicians should take note.”

Both debates will occur on Thursday, October 3, from 7-9 pm.

The Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte debate is being hosted by Grace United Church, at 350 Grove Street Barrie, from 7-9 pm. All are welcome to attend. There will also be an opportunity to visit with the candidates before and after the debate.

The Barrie-Innisfil debate is being hosted by Innisfil Library IdeaLAB, at 967 Innisfil Beach Road from 7-9pm. Again all are welcome to attend.

If you would like to RSVP or learn more about the debates, please visit 100debates.ca