 PSAC will ensure that public service issues are at the centre of the electoral campaign in the National Capital Region
Ottawa, September 17, 2008 —The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has launched its process to identify which candidates it may endorse in the Ottawa-Gatineau region during the upcoming federal election.
Maria Fitzpatrick, the PSAC Executive Regional Vice-President for the National Capital Region (NCR) indicated that over 100,000 people are employed by the federal government in the National Capital Region, more than half of them PSAC members.
“Our members have the opportunity to vote for the party who, for many of them, will ultimately be their employer,” Fitzpatrick said. “And as citizens, they know that government policies have a direct impact on the life of the people in the region. It’s our duty to make sure candidates explain clearly what their parties intend to do if they form the next federal government.”
Fitzpatrick added that the entire process for endorsing candidates is driven by the members and that candidates, notwithstanding their political affiliation, might receive endorsement.
“This is an excellent opportunity for PSAC members and the public in general to participate actively in the democratic process,” she said. “In Ottawa-Gatineau, the public service is by far the largest economic force and it’s only fair that we ask the candidates for their views on the future of the public service.”
The assessment will be conducted by two political committees made up of PSAC grass root members. Those members will meet with candidates in designated ridings and present them with a questionnaire relating the issues that are important to members such as quality public services and workers’ rights.
There will also be public debates in the ridings of Hull-Aylmer on September 29 and in Ottawa-Centre and Gatineau on September 30, during which the candidates will have the opportunity to express their views and answer questions from PSAC members and the general public.
PSAC members have targeted four ridings during this campaign: Gatineau, Ottawa-Centre, Hull-Aylmer and Ottawa-Orléans. Almost 10% of all PSAC members resides in these four ridings. Members in other ridings in the NCR will also be invited to participate in the elections by meeting candidates, raising questions at all candidates’ meetings and discussing the coming elections with their friends, family and colleagues.
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For information: Pierre Parker, PSAC Regional Coordinator: 613-560-2563
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