Marc Vinette (candidate for Councillor of Rideau Vanier) 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?).

Response: Heck no. I would not spend a nickel of public funds on that. I’ll come to the fundraiser you throw to fund your awareness campaign.

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.

Response: Absolutely not.  There should be healthy vegetarian options available in municipal cafeterias at all times, of course.

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

Response: Animal cruelty is sick and disgusting. In my travels I have seen things that would turn your stomach and inflame your rage. Some animals, dogs in particular, enjoy being our “slaves”. Do elephants? I think usually not. Horses? Hmm… I know what you mean about circuses, but you are painting with a wide brush. Would a dog show fall under your definition of entertainment and thus be banned?

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

Response: School/org/Business sponsorships is a great way to help fund these kinds of orgs. I have a big mouth, so the word gets out to people who have ears to hear. This is, to my present knowledge, more a matter of provincial jurisdiction. I’ll do my best to pry appropriate funding from Toronto.

5. Will the City of Ottawa publish its policy or develop a bylaw on the treatment of dangerous wildlife within the City?

Response: Frankly, I am not currently versed in the City’s policy regarding dangerous wildlife. Certainly, we should have a humane and effective policy. If elected, I’ll get back to you within a month with a detailed answer.

Big up toi meme and vote Vinette!
Marc Vinette ward 12 Rideau Vanier