TIME TOBE BOLD

AT T H E P O L L S

Quick Organizing Guide:-Candidates’ Debate

Canadian Federation of StudentsTimeToBeBold.ca #TimeToBeBold | @CFSFCEE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TIME LINE 2

INVITATIONS 2

FORMAT 3

QUESTIONS 3 Accessibility Child Care Environment Funding for PSE Housing Indigenous Peoples International Students Key Issue in the Community Research & Innovation Transit

LOGISTICS TASKLIST 7

ADVERTISING 8

APPENDIX 9 Candidates invitation letters Candidates invitation letters Media Advisory Accessibility Checklist

Debates are an excellent way to get to know what your candidates think about student issues and to pressure candidates to take bolder stances on issues that matter to you. The following quick guide will help you organize a debate or similar type of event.

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TIMELINEThe first thing to keep in mind is how much time you have to organize the debate. It is important to start planning as early as possible as candidates’ schedules tend to fill out quickly after the writ is dropped. If you’re short on time the following guidelines can help you keep on track to carry out a successful debate.

• Choose the date and time to have the debate.

• Send invitations to candidates and moderators as soon as possible, a few weeks in advance is best.• Start publicizing the debate at least two weeks in advance.• Have all bookings done at least two weeks in advance.

• Start doing on-the-ground outreach at least one week in advance.

• It should be no later than a week before October 21st. • Decide on a time that will allow as many students to attend the debate. Generally,

evenings tend to be a flexible time.

• Room, sound system, food, tables, etc.

• Classtalks, tabling, leafleting, etc.

INVITATIONSThe next item on your tasklist is to send out invitations to the people participating in the debate you’re hosting. It’s important to send these invitations as early as possible to confirm attendance so that your debate goes smoothly.

• Check to see if any other events are happening that will conflict with yours. If done early, dates may be changed at everyone’s convenience.

• Identify a moderator for the debate. Have a few options in mind in case your first option is not available. • Some ideas for moderators could be journalists, campus newspaper editors, or non-partisan groups.• Identify candidates in your campus’ riding from the major political parties and send out invitation letters.

As a rule of thumb, you should invite candidates from the Conservative, Green, Liberal, and New Democrat parties.

• Send invitations to key stakeholders you want to have in the crowd (e.g. community groups, advocacy organizations, campus administrators).

• Contact faculty, support staff, community groups, and other coalition partners to see how they can help with the debate, and how it can help them. Don’t forget, post-secondary issues concern them too. (e.g. you could co-host the debate with one of these groups).

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FORMATOnce you’ve set a date and sent out the invitations, choose the format of the debate. Debates should not be unpredictable. Everyone, including the audience, should know their role and what is expected of them. For this reason, a more structured format for the debate will allow you to better control its direction.

• Decide on the length of speeches.• Decide on the number of questions and how much time candidates will have to answer each of

them.• Decide what questions you are going to include in the debate.• If you’re partnering with a coalition partner, ask them to send their question(s) well in advance.• Decide whether the moderator will receive questions from the audience. If you are, decide how

many questions will be taken and the process to select the questions. Here is an example:

• Instruct the moderator to announce at the beginning of the debate that there will be time for questions from the audience at the end and that folks can write them down on pieces of paper.

• Have blank pieces of paper and pens available at a table in an accessible area (e.g. back of the room).

• Have ushers collect questions from people in the audience.• Select the questions that are repeated the most and/or relate more to students. • Provide the questions to the moderator in time.

QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATESThe following are examples of suggested questions and preambles for candidates. A good rule of thumb is to have four to six questions in total for your debate.

ACCESSIBILITY According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, more than 6 million Canadians aged 15 and over (22% of the population) identify as having a disability, and it is expected that actual numbers are likely higher. Only 59% of Canadians with disabilities aged 25 to 64 are employed compared to 80% of Canadians without disabilities. Persons with disabilities earn less than Canadians without disabilities and are more likely to live in poverty. • If elected, how would you help to ensure that people with disabilities experience greater levels of

employment? CHILDCARE Year after year, child care costs have risen faster than inflation in the majority of Canadian cities. We must ensure universal access to affordable child care so that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow in a licensed child care space, while their parents complete their education. By providing child care at an affordable rate, student-parents who attend college or university will be able to study without worrying about securing a safe and accessible space for their children. • Child care continues to be inaccessible to many Canadian families due to a shortage of child-care spaces.

If elected, what will you do to improve access to child care nationally and/or in the riding?

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ENVIRONMENT

Climate change refers to the change in the distribution of weather patterns over an extended period of time through increased human activity from the burning of fossil fuels (i.e. oil, coal and gas). The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on climate change estimates we have about a decade to fully transition to a green economy to avoid environmental collapse. The impacts of the climate crisis have not only created negative effects on the environment such as shrinking water supplies, limited access to clean water, an increase in severe weather, changes in food supply and geographical changes in temperature but also have economic and social consequences. Drastically changing our economy is the only way to ensure our survival for the years to come. • Describe what plans you and your party have to address the climate crisis and how these plans will be

carried out at the local level.• What policy proposals do you have for transitioning to a green economy based on renewable energy?• What commitments is your party making to meet the targets set out in the 2016 Paris Accord?

FUNDING FOR PSE/TUITION FEES AND DEBT

Currently, over 70% of new jobs require a minimum of three years of post-secondary experience. Despite this fact, tuition fees have tripled over the past two decades as wages have become stagnant. It has never been more expensive to access a post-secondary education, yet at the same time it has never been so important. As a result, students are graduating from college and university with life-impacting debt. Across Canada, students collectively owe $36 billion in public debt. At the same time, our post-secondary system has become increasingly reliant on international students’ tuition fees, which are on average three to four times that of domestic students • Do you support increased public investment in post-secondary education to reduce and eventually

eliminate tuition fees for all students?• What are your plans to help current student debt-holders, who are now out of school, and are struggling

with high levels of student debt?

• Will you commit to introducing debt alleviation programs for current student debt-holders?• Will you commit to eliminating interest rates on all student loans?

HOUSING

Students are particularly vulnerable to housing shortages. With limited availability on many campuses, landlords abuse their power by placing students in unlicensed rooming spaces, prematurely terminating their tenancy and arbitrarily increasing rent. The inability to secure safe, affordable and accessible housing is an issue that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, in particular, people living with disabilities, international students, racialized people, Queer and Trans people, First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, all of whom are more likely to live below the poverty line. • For many students, especially those already saddled with high levels of student debt, the dream

of someday owning a home seems to be increasingly out of reach. What plans do you have to make purchasing a home more affordable in the near future?

• Access to affordable housing is a major issue for many students. What plans do you have to expand the amount of affordable housing, while maintaining quality and safety standards?

•

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INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Post-secondary education is a treaty right guaranteed by the state of Canada to the Indigenous peoples of this land, as found in the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and re-affirmed as a constitutional right in the Canadian Constitution Act of 1982. Despite this being a fundamental right, decades of government underfunding at the federal level has made campuses unattainable for thousands of potential Indigenous learners. Indigenous students who make it onto post-secondary campuses are often faced with high levels of racism and discrimination, due to a lack of public education on the history of colonialism in Canada. Indigenous students also struggle with accessing culturally appropriate support services and are forced to study euro-centric courses and curricula. • Are you committed to implementing each of the Calls for Justice from the report on Missing and Murdered

Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited Folks (MMIWG2S)?• How will you address the backlog of Indigenous students who are unable to access funding for post-

secondary education?• Will you invest in improving and expanding Indigenous language programs, including at post-secondary

institutions?

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students provide a richer campus and educational experience, contribute to the local economy, and should be treated with fairness. They are also one of the fastest growing demographics in Canada, making up a fifth of all post-secondary students. Despite their many contributions, international students continue to be exploited by the post-secondary system to make up for a lack of government funding. International students pay differential tuition fees, which are three to four times that of domestic tuition and far exceed the actual cost of their education. Meanwhile, international students face restrictions to work permits and access to public healthcare. • Will you commit to providing stable funding transfers to eliminate differential tuition fees charged to

international students? If not, what is your plan to stop the deregulation of differential fees?• International students currently face significant barriers to accessing permanent residency and

citizenship. What is your plan to streamline immigration pathways for international students who wish to stay in Canada?

• What are your plans to engage international students in the riding to hear and respond to their unique concerns?

• A defining principle of the federal Canada Health Act is universality, however not all international students can access public healthcare across the country. What is your plan to provide public healthcare coverage to international students?

KEY ISSUE IN THE COMMUNITY

What is one key issue, specific to the riding, which you hope to address if elected?

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RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Canada’s investment in research and innovation as a share of GDP has steadily declined since 2001 and lags well behind the OECD average. As a result, Canada has slowly been falling behind other OECD countries in research production, scientific publications, and wealth creation. The 2017 report from the Fundamental Science Review panel, chaired by Dr. David Naylor, called on the Canadian government to increase funding for national granting councils and prioritize curiosity-based research. The federal government has made important steps forward with investments in fundamental research and measures to advance equity and diversity in science. However, our country continues to underperform compared to peer nations. • If elected, how would you advocate for a more competitive and public national strategy on research and

innovation?(For more information on the four main political parties’ position on research see: https://can-acn.org/)

TRANSIT

Students are heavily dependent on public transit and feel that the cost of transit fares burn through their pockets. The reality is many students travel between different regions, causing them to pay into multiple transit systems. Skyrocketing tuition fees, increases in precarious work and spikes in the cost of living have made transit less affordable. In addition to high transit fares, many students struggle with transit inaccessibility. Whether it is the lack of wheelchair accessible platforms or inconsistent transit routes and timings, public transit has become progressively unreliable. Students need a transit system that is affordable and accessible for all. • What are your plans for improving transit in the riding?

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LOGISTICS TASKLISTKeeping an organized list is the key to a successful event, and Excel sheets can help you keep track of outstanding items and point people for different tasks. Here is a non-exhaustive list that you want to keep in mind when you organize your debate. The more you plan ahead, the easier the debate will flow!

Before the event make sure you cover these tasks:• Confirm moderator• Confirm candidates’ attendance and send questions• Designate an accessibility coordinator • Designate a person for live streaming • Designate a photographer• Designate a person to live tweet • Designate a timekeeper • If you’re opening questions to the audience make sure you designate ushers to collect questions• Make sure the venue follows the accessibility checklist • Confirm room bookinG

• Confirm sound system

• Reserve seats for audience• Reserve table(s) for campaign materials• Reserve parking (if necessary)• Confirm podiums or tables and chairs for candidates

• Make sure it is equipped to handle the anticipated crowd and media, and is fully accessible. If television media are expected, leave an area in front open for camera, near where your panelists will be sitting.

• If you book a sound system, ensure that radio journalists will be able to plug their tape decks directly into the system.

The day of the event make sure you:

• Do final social media push• Do final outreach push• Print questions for moderator• Start setting up with enough time in advance• Have materials ready: campaign materials, table cloths, pens, water bottles, pop-up banners, etc.• Introduce candidates to your timekeeper and explain the format of the debate one more time • Take pictures and have fun!

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ADVERTISING THE DEBATEDebates are educational events that inform people where parties stand on issues that matter to them. Advertising your debate effectively will ensure that it is well-attended, which in turn will ensure students will head to the polls making an informed decision. You want to reach as many students on your campus, as well as students from other institutions on your riding, high school students, and community members.

Here are some general advertising guidelines:

• Social Media: create a facebook event, promote debate with shareables through different platforms.• Print posters, flyers, news releases, and other announcements. Make sure to publicize the event in

ways that will reach the audience you’re targeting.

• Announce the debate through your own listservs and ask clubs and societies to distribute the information within their circle.

• Campus media might want to start preparing special coverage well in advance. Make sure they have all the information they need. Have members from your group submit opinion pieces or letters to the editor about the event.

• Do announcements such as campus paper articles and letters to the editor, radio announcements, and announcements through clubs and residences.

• To further raise awareness on campus about the issues being addressed, work with campus journalists to have the debate broadcast on the radio or arrange for follow-up articles in the campus paper, if such media agencies exist on your campus.

• There may be local media, like magazines or weekly TV shows, that must plan content ahead of time. If you want press coverage, prepare press releases and updates as the campaign develops.

• Send public service announcements (short, press release-style announcements used for radio or television) to local radio and television stations.

• Map out the high-traffic areas on your campus and set a table there to promote the debate.• Make a list of the biggest classes and classes where you know students will be interested in

attending the debate to do class talks. • Leave leaflets in windshields on your campus parking lot.

CONTACT

Have questions or need additional support?

Contact the CFS at 613-232-7394 or chairperson@cfs-fcee.ca.

Canadian Federation of StudentsTimeToBeBold.ca #TimeToBeBold | @CFSFCEE

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APPENDIX CANDIDATES’ INVITATION LETTER

On behalf of the [Student Union], representing [xx] students, we are excited to invite you to the Federal Candidates’ Debate on Post-Secondary Education. Currently, over 70% of new jobs require a minimum of three years of post-secondary experience while youth continue to face precarious employment upon graduation and unprecedented levels of student debt. As students and youth head to the polls as one of the largest voting blocks, it is critical that our major political parties listen to the needs of students.

WHAT:WHEN:WHERE:

The vision for this candidates’ debate is to have the candidates present opening remarks for 5 minutes each, answer questions, which will be provided in advance, and provide closing remarks for 5 minutes each as well. The debate will include a question period from the audience.

We anticipate the event running approximately 2 hours, which will provide you with an incredible opportunity to talk about your vision for our public post-secondary system, the labour market, the climate crisis, and your party’s solutions for supporting students and youth in this country.

Please confirm your attendance by calling or emailing [resource person] at [telephone] or [email].

If your require further details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,[name]

GENERAL INVITATION LETTER

On behalf of the [Student Union], representing [xx] students, we are excited to invite you to the Federal Candidates’ Debate on Post-Secondary Education. As students and youth head to the polls as one of the largest voting blocks, it is critical that candidates listen to the needs of students. We have invited candidates from the four major political parties in [x] riding.

WHAT: WHEN: WHERE:

We anticipate the event will run approximately 2 hours, which will provide you an incredible opportunity to talk about a vision for our public post-secondary system, the labour market, the climate crisis, and solutions for supporting students and youth in this country.

Sincerely,[name]

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APPENDIX MEDIA ADVISORY

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release:Tuesday, September 17, 2019

STUDENT UNION HOSTS FEDERAL CANDIDATES’ DEBATE

[City] - Student Union is hosting a federal candidates’ debate from the [x] riding tomorrow.

WHAT:WHO: The [Student Union] has invited [list candidates] WHEN:WHERE:

[one or two sentences about your organization]

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For more information contact [name, position] at [phone, email]

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APPENDIX ACCESSIBILITY CHECKLIST