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<\/a>The selection of the representatives has been left up to the parties, said Murray, \u201cwith the only requirement being that the candidate is nominated in a Metro Vancouver riding.\u201d<\/p>\n
The broad topics \u2013 immigration, employment, seniors\u2019 care, security and the economy \u2013 are just some of the issues in which CIJA and SUCCESS share an interest, said Murray. The partnership in organizing the townhall, he said, \u201callows us to gain strength with greater numbers, bringing together our communities to advocate with candidates seeking office. Working together allows us opportunities to view these issues from each other\u2019s perspectives.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is not the first time that SUCCESS has worked with the Jewish community.<\/p>\n
\u201cSUCCESS and CIJA\u2019s predecessor, the Canadian Jewish Congress, have a long history of collaborating on civic engagement programs, including townhall-style events around municipal, provincial and federal elections,\u201d said Murray. \u201cProfessional and volunteer leaders from SUCCESS and CIJA have continued to collaborate between elections, particularly in helping each other nurture advocacy efforts. We hope to continue to build on what we see as a solid foundation and to continue to bring together SUCCESS and our Federation and Federation\u2019s partner agencies.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth CIJA and SUCCESS are nonprofit and non-partisan organizations that are dedicated to improving the quality of life of newcomers in Canada by advancing the public policy interests of Canada\u2019s communities,\u201d Queenie Choo, chief executive officer of SUCCESS, told the Independent<\/em>. \u201cWe have commonalities and strong values in these areas. Hence, it is a perfect fit as partners in this event.\u201d<\/p>\n SUCCESS has sponsored other townhalls and information sessions, said Choo. \u201cWe have done it in the past for provincial and municipal pre-election forums. At this point, we are focusing on this townhall opportunity to ensure people are informed of the party positions\u00a0on our topics, such as immigrants, seniors, housing, employment and security. It is also part of our mandates on promoting civil education and responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n Choo explained, \u201cSUCCESS is one of the largest nonprofit social service agencies in B.C. that provide services for immigrants, seniors and people who need affordable housing. The topics of focus at this townhall really support our mission \u2013 one that builds bridges, harvests diversity and fosters integration through service and advocacy. Through this event, we hope to gain a better understanding of each party\u2019s position on these subject matters, advancing our mission in these three key areas going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n She added, \u201cIt is important that people are well informed of the positions and platform represented by each party in order to vote for what they believe in. People are encouraged to vote and be able to elect the party that can best represent them and their community.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn advocacy,\u201d said Murray, \u201cthere is no substitute for in-person engagement. The Jewish community is a relatively small community in Canada and, particularly, in British Columbia. Through more intensive involvement in the political world \u2013 whether volunteering, serving as party activists, or running for office \u2013 Canadian Jews can make a disproportionate impact beyond the ballot box.<\/p>\n<\/a>