#mbpoli

In many parts of Canada, there are local and municipal elections coming up!

Specifically, all of British Columbia (this Saturday, October 15th!), Manitoba (October 26th), and Ontario (October 24th). Also some parts of other provinces and territories (see here).

For information about how to vote and who's running where you live, you'll have to google "[your city or region] election" or go to your local government's website. You can also check out your local library's website (or ask a librarian in person); they will probably have helpful information!

I recommend looking up the candidates ahead of time and writing down who you plan on voting for if there are a lot of them. You are totally allowed to bring notes into the voting booth, as long as you take them out with you when you go.

Local elections have as much or more effect on your life than national elections! Since they have fewer voters, they are also sometimes used by special interest groups to gain local power. This is why you need to vote! Since they have fewer voters, your vote counts for more.

And after the election, if your new city councillor or whoever seems cool, go back to their website and get on their mailing list! Learn about local issues and events!

Just minutes after he was sworn in, Manitoba's new minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations was directly challenged in the legislative building after he said those who ran residential schools believed "they were doing the right thing."

Speaking to reporters, Alan Lagimodiere said his understanding of the residential school system was that it was meant to give Indigenous children the skills they needed to fit into society.

"At the time I think the intent … they thought they were doing the right thing. In retrospect, it's easy to judge in the past. But at the time, they really thought that they were doing the right thing," he said.