The Fernie Pride Society is taking part in a national non-partisan campaign to encourage voters to cast their ballot for equality in the upcoming federal election.
Fernie Pride Society Executive Director Courtney Baker says the society is part of Queer Momentum’s Rainbow Equality Campaign.
“This is a non-partisan coalition of pride organizations across the country whose goal is to help mobilize the vote and – most importantly – educate people on the platforms of the different parties,” explained Baker.
“Hopefully, through education, people will choose to vote for parties that uphold equality, freedom and inclusion for everybody.”
Baker says the Rainbow Equality Campaign is meant to help voters understand who their candidates are and what platforms they support.
“A big part of this is to stop people from being distracted by slogans and rhetoric and to get politicians to go back to issues that matter to everybody, regardless of gender or sexual identity, race or religion,” said Baker.
“We want to really get people back to talking about the big issues of affordability, health care and housing. Instead of trying to divide and distract voters, we want to make politicians focus on the core issues that affect all Canadians.”
Baker says education on equality is particularly important in smaller communities and rural ridings, such as Columbia—Kootenay—Southern Rockies.
“Fernie, the Elk Valley and our riding are not immune to threats coming to the queer community and marginalized communities in general, primarily safety threats and threats to equality and access,” said Baker.
Baker says getting people to the polls is another key element of the campaign.
“I think it’s easy to feel disengaged and unconsidered in the voting process and politics in general. A big part of this is making sure they can see themselves in this country and where the country might be heading,” said Baker.
“We hope that people can see themselves and get engaged with politics and get educated on what is and is not happening in the political realm in Canada and globally.”
Fernie Pride is hosting a day of action to distribute flyers and posters on Sunday, April 13.
“The more people who help spread the word about Rainbow Equality, the better. We’re looking forward to the next election and getting people mobilized, educated and confident about their vote,” said Baker.
Federal election day is set for April 28.
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