Kim Sheldrick (candidate for Councillor of Osgoode Ward 20) responds to survey on Animal- and Veg-Friendliness.

1. Will you commit to publishing the position statement of the Canadian Dietetic Association that acknowledges that well-planned vegan diets are healthy for all life-stages, to correct misinformation among the public. If so, how would this been done (tax or water bill insert, bus board signage, proclaiming a vegan day, other?).

I cannot commit to promoting a vegan lifestyle as I do not follow it myself. It is a personal choice as to what a person eats. I follow healthy eating lifestyles by following the Canadian food guide, limiting red meats and eating local foods when I can to lessen the amount of processing and preservatives. I can commit to providing a link on enewsletters and my website to let people know about the option of a vegan lifestyle, and to attending events that promote healthy lifestyles.

2. Will you support a meatless Monday campaign in City of Ottawa cafeterias and catered affairs, encourage school boards & post secondary institutions to follow your example, as well as the Municipality of Gatineau, engaging staff from the department of Public Health in the outreach? Note that agriculture is a larger contributed to climate change than all forms of transportation combined.

Again I cannot support this as I do not follow a vegan lifestyle. I feel that what a person chooses to eat is their personal decision. I do promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyle choices. I am aware of the climate change factor due to the gases released by ruminant animals.

3. Will you support a bylaw banning circuses and other entertainment acts that use animals for entertainment in Ottawa?

No I cannot support such a bylaw. Places like Little Ray’s, who take in animals which are in need, also visit places as an “entertainment act” to help fund their facility.

4. Will you support wildlife rehabilitation organizations? How so?

I support wildlife rehabilitation organizations. Unfortunately financially is usually not an option for me but I attend events and volunteer time in place of funds when I am aware of events.

5. Will the City of Ottawa publish its policy (and or City of Ottawa Police policy) or develop a bylaw on the treatment of dangerous wildlife within the City (coyotes, deer, moose, etc.)?

I am yet to figure out what the issue in developing and implementing this policy had been. As issues arise, each level of government seems to try to pass it along instead of accepting responsibility. There is now a Wildlife Strategy in place for Ottawa and it was approved by Council in summer 2013. I have also attended meetings with the Ministry of Natural Resources in regards to this issue. What needs to be done is ensuring the strategy is properly understood by all parties that may be involved and implemented correctly.

Thanks
Kim Sheldrick
http://www.kimsheldrick4councillor.ca
Candidate for City of Ottawa Councillor in Osgoode Ward 20
Remember to vote on October 27!