By Rev. Chris Brouillard-Coyle
EARLIER this year, I reflected on the perceptions and realities of those who are unhoused in a way that resonated with many people. The article proved particularly popular on social media and there were some very thoughtful comments and reactions.
This article was inspired by a proposal made by Windsor City Council to post signs discouraging donations to individual panhandlers and suggesting donations instead to appropriate organisations. It is notable that since that article was published, it came to light that the same Council denied extra funding for the only local homeless shelter specifically for women and children.
When challenged, the Mayor claimed to know for a fact there are no homeless women on Windsor streets. Those who work with the unhoused and have experienced homelessness explained how women and children are more likely to avoid spaces, places, and even shelters frequented by men because they do not feel safe. This can make them seem invisible. These stories and the advocacy of others in the community helped reverse the council’s decision during a summer meeting. Following a near unanimous vote, some funding for extra beds will be provided to the women’s shelter, at least through to the end of this year.
What happens at the municipal level matters. City and town councils decide how local revenues are spent. Local parks, streets, beautification projects, outreach programs, policing, libraries, housing, fire services, garbage, composting, and recycling, tourism projects, and public transportation, these are all responsibilities of municipal governments.
There are a plethora of social justice issues deeply intertwined with these responsibilities. As we prepare for another municipal election, to what extent do we honestly reflect on the ways each candidate’s platform and behaviours illustrate respecting the dignity of every human being, responding to human need with loving service, transforming unjust structures, and caring for creation? To what extent are we considering the connections between our faith and our choices as we engage with candidates and vote in this municipal election?
Perhaps it might be helpful to remind ourselves of what was so impactful about the previous article which talked about respecting the dignity of unhoused people and then draw from that challenge when engaging with candidates and platforms. Looking at our own cities and towns, what has been done and what is being promised to support those living in poverty, and those who are housing insecure? Are local municipalities working with other levels of government to secure low-income housing? Why or why not? What more do you think could be done? What do you think Jesus calls us to do?
What would it look like to educate ourselves about the use and abuse of strong mayor powers and the consequences for policy in the municipalities? To what extent are candidates prepared to use or deny this option? Are you prepared to have a conversation with mayoral candidates about this practice? What would you say?
To what extent have you considered the environmental consequences of municipal policies? Issues like tree coverage (Windsor is below average for Southwestern Ontario), waste removal, invasive species management, recycling, etc, are part of the municipal responsibilities. We are called to safeguard the integrity of God’s Creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth, to what extent are we paying attention to the policies and practices of our municipalities and those seeking election that impact God’s Beloved Creation?
Also on the ballot are school board trustees creating opportunities to hold school boards accountable to the public for spending, programming, policies, and practices. Here too consideration can be given to candidate’s positions about the most vulnerable – special needs students, those who are racialized, immigrants, those needing English as a second language, those who are 2SLGBTQIA+, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, etc.
Ultimately, municipal elections matter because the people elected have roles that matter and can make decisions that impact individuals and creation. The question falls to each of us: are we willing to do the work to learn about each candidate, reflect on their platforms and their behaviours, and make choices at the ballot box that are consistent with the challenges of our faith? As we vote in the upcoming municipal elections, may we elect individuals who will respect the dignity of every human being, respond to human need with loving service, transform unjust structures, and care for Creation.
Rev. Chris Brouillard-Coyle is a co-chair of SEJH.