Sheila Perry (candidate for Councillor, Ward 13 Rideau Rockcliffe) 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?).

Answer: Yes, this is important information and fits perfectly with my platform on food issues and sustainability. Since the Ottawa Health Dept. is now supporting mobile food etc. this is best published through the Health Dept./ Recreation on websites, fact sheets,promotion through workshops. Vegan Day and food nutrition month are additional ways to support and publicize.

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.

Answer: yes, a great idea for alternatives in our diet and for promoting nutrition month.
Since I am a member of the College of Teachers, it is wise to work with cafeteria services and contracts with the school boards/colleges. Ottawa does not have authority in Gatineau. However, we can give them the challenge. I am a member of Just Food Ottawa and started 32 community gardens in Overbrook in 2013, so I am very supportive of linking workshops, training and education of food.

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

Answer: As a pet owner, I am very sensitive to and opposed to animal exploitation. Pet farms and child friendly experiences are great for sensitivity training. Circuses are a big business and require close monitoring by the city and staff.

4. Will you support wildlife rehabilitation organizations? How so (financially and/or with other in-kind supports – please describe in detail)?

Answer: Wildlife rehabilitation is important to our large urban/rural Ottawa city. Support is required to organizations such as the Rideau Conservation authority and others who support help with wildlife.The city of Ottawa must establish a bylaw for dealing with wildlife…I am concerned that no leadership has been undertaken to do this and I pledge to raise this issue. Support includes convening groups to establish a protocol, bylaw. A network of organizations is needed and should be promoted locally, along with fundraising.

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.)?

Answer: The city of Ottawa lacks a bylaw. It is important that groups be convened, bylaw drafted, consultation and implementation take place. Many are indicating the need for a mechanism of support .