The Canadian Cancer Society is asking voters in Weyburn to consider community health when they choose who to vote for in the upcoming civic election on Wednesday, Oct. 24.
The Canadian Cancer Society is asking voters in Weyburn to consider community health when they choose who to vote for in the upcoming civic election on Wednesday, Oct. 24.
The society has launched a website to help voters understand some of its cancer prevention priorities, and where their candidates stand on those issues.
The organizations sent surveys to all candidates asking if they support restricting smoking in several outdoor places, such as patios of restaurants and bars, and whether they would support a ban on the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes.
Of the candidates in Weyburn's election, only two candidates out of the 10 running responded to the survey, incumbent Rob Stephanson and new challenger Connie Nightingale.
The responses can be viewed at www.voteforhealthsk.ca.
"Many people tell us that they are worried about cancer-causing substances in the environment. Our website is intended to educate voters on municipal bylaws that can help reduce their exposure, and inform them of what candidates think about these issues, so that they can vote accordingly," said Donna Ziegler, director of cancer control for the Canadian Cancer Society in Saskatchewan.
At least half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy changes in lifestyle. Public policies make healthy choices easier; this is why municipal leadership is a key to cancer prevention.
As municipalities are able to adopt health-promoting bylaws more quickly than provincial or federal governments, it is crucial they take action to help prevent cancer and other chronic diseases.
There are many examples across Canada where municipal bylaws have set the standard for provincial legislation, and motivated provincial governments to take action.
"The public smoking ban is a good example. The first smoking bylaw was adopted by Moose Jaw, followed by Saskatoon, Yorkton, Humboldt and Prince Albert. Because of the leadership of these communities, the provincial government followed suit shortly thereafter and banned smoking in all public places pro vince-wide," said Ziegler.
Leading up to the election, the Cancer Society will be using social media to engage the public and its thousands of volunteers.
"This is an opportunity to voters to make a difference and create healthy communities for their families," said Ziegler.
