Courtenay voters will have the chance to question their city’s mayoral and council candidates during a candidate’s forum at NIC on Wednesday, October 10.
The free forum takes place from 6 to 8 pm at NIC’s Stan Hagen Theatre and everyone is invited.
A trio of nursing students are organizing the forum as part of their fourth-year leadership course, Nursing Practice VI, Engaging in Leadership (NUR-404).
“Civic decision-making and healthcare are very closely intertwined,” says Sarah Vallintine, the event’s co-organizer along with classmates Paula Branchi and Hilary Chapman. “From accessibility and recreation to transportation, water and affordable housing, the priorities set by municipal council directly affect the health of our community.”
“Students have important insight into the future of our community,” adds Chapman. “Our goal is to help motivate young voters to participate in civic democracy while also giving the candidates a platform from which to explain their vision to all potential voters.”
Longtime community organizer Vanessa Scott, a director of the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society and the Comox Valley Conservation Partnership, will introduce the forum. Scott also serves as an informal leadership mentor to the three student organizers.
“Great leaders beget great leaders,” says Branchi. “Perhaps Courtenay’s next great leader will be on stage Wednesday evening. It’s up to voters to come out and decide.”
For event details, contact Sarah Vallintine at svallintine@northislandcollege.ca.
