Newfoundland and Labrador Election: October 11, 2011
Make your voice heard
Are you amongst the one in ten people who, due to a visual, physical or perceptual disability is unable to read? Do you wish that public libraries throughout Newfoundland had a larger collection of audio or Braille books, large print and accessible newspapers and magazines?
If so, the upcoming provincial election is a great opportunity to make your voice heard!
On October 11, 2011, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will go to the polls to cast their votes for our Members of the house of Assembly – and this presents a tremendous opportunity to put equitable library services on the agenda.
CNIB is working with Canadians who are passionate about issues affecting people who have a print disability to make our voices heard in the weeks leading up to the election. We are asking anyone living with a print disability to call candidates in their ridings and speak directly to some of the people who will be in a position to take action.
If elected, these individuals will be in a position to develop policies that benefit anyone with a print disability by insuring that equitable library services become a reality. But if our elected officials don’t know about the issues, they can’t take action.
This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and let them know what matters to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the issues CNIB is raising?
In this election, we are focusing our messages around equitable library services for persons with print disabilities. Although public libraries are working hard to insure that everyone has access to their collections, CNIB, over the past 90 years, has built one of the world’s largest collection of alternate format materials in both French and English. This collection now consists of more than 86,000 titles and is already available in four provinces; Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
What support or training will CNIB give me?
CNIB will provide you with a telephone briefing in advance of the election, in which you will be joining other volunteers.
The meeting will allow you to learn and share tips on how to talk to candidates, practice what you’re planning to say if you need to, hear what other volunteers are doing to take action, and learn more about issues that affect other persons with print disabilities.
What will I be expected to do if I take part?
We would ask that you commit to do at least one of the following:
- Call local candidates in your riding and talk to them about the need for an publicly funded equitable library service in Newfoundland and Labrador. We can provide you with the phone numbers of your local candidates and some suggestions on what to say. It is best to make these calls before the election campaign is in full swing, as candidates will have more time available to talk to you.
- Call local candidates in your riding and ask them to visit you while they are knocking on doors in your community. This is an easy way to speak to candidates without leaving home. Again, CNIB can help you find your local candidate’s contact information.
Attend candidate debates in your community and ask questions about what each candidate’s party would do to improve services for people with print disabilities.
Does it matter who I vote for?
No. Who you vote for is your business only.
Yes, I’d like to help. How do I get involved?
If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact Lui Greco at (506) 458-0060 extension 5607or lui.greco@cnib.ca.