Scott Blurton (candidate for Councillor, Ward 17 Capital) 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?).

No. I would work with Ottawa Public Health on improved promotion of healthy nutrition, and the many options to achieve it, through their website and through promotion campaigns targeted at children and youth. I don’t believe that publishing position papers of advocacy groups for specific dietary regimes would be appropriate.

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.

No. I would focus our efforts on nutritional choice, the nutrients our bodies need and the options on how to get them.

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

I would consider this but I would need more information about the initiative.

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

I would focus funding on my five priorities of youth unemployment, smart development, transportation choice, mental health and poverty reduction, especially the latter two.

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 would need more information about this subject and consult with city staff before I could answer this question in more detail. In short, I believe that we have to be a better caretaker of the natural riches that we have been blessed with.