1) What made you decide to run for a town council seat?
I am a proud resident of Inuvik who believes in stepping up to create positive change. Over the past decade, I have consistently heard about disparities related to community wellness, recreation, and infrastructure. Social cohesion seems to be diminishing among residents, and the town can have a positive impact in this area if facilities and programming are enhanced. I bring a diverse perspective and am committed to putting in the effort needed to advance a healthier community for all residents.
2) What experience do you bring to the table?
I am the previous chair of the Inuvik District Education Authority, vice-chair of the Beaufort Delta Divisional Education Council and board member of the Great Northern Arts Society.
I actively support youth opportunities through coaching the Beaufort Delta Science Team, mentoring youth and leading the Beaufort Delta Regional Science Fair. In my spare time, I participate in slo-pitch, fastpitch, volleyball, squash and badminton programming.
I am also a director at the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation who oversees matters related to innovation, Inuvialuit science, environment, strategic planning, knowledge mobilization and community wellness. In this role, I advocate for and oversee programming to improve quality of life for residents.
3) What do you see as the big issues facing Inuvik this election?
Big issues facing Inuvik in this election are town infrastructure, community programming and the overall health/well-being of residents. I hope to have the opportunity to serve the town, facilitate sustainable improvements and focus on everyoneSA国际影视传媒檚 wellness through strengthening their autonomy.
4) How do you propose that these issues be resolved?
I want to take a community wellness approach to resolving the current issues faced in our town. This includes eliminating barriers to services, enhancing partnerships with community organizations and increasing programming for all residents.
Community programming can be improved by adopting a long-term plan to reduce and eventually remove user fees for all town facilities. This will eliminate the financial barriers associated with recreation and provide opportunities for residents to come together while being active. Hopefully, this change will also inspire more residents to run programming within town facilities.
There is an insufficient number of daycares/day homes in town. This deficit prevents individuals from having the choice to re-enter the workforce when they plan to. With the recent changes to the Child Day Care Act (2023) to allow for day homes in rental properties, the town could provide more supports to help interested individuals with business licensing and getting started.
It is a challenge to walk around town. Accessing town facilities can also be a struggle. This is because our town doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 meet the accessibility standards set out in the Accessible Canada Act (2019). We should be securing available funding to improve town infrastructure, which will enhance residentsSA国际影视传媒� ability to independently access services.
Communities always get more done when we work together. Although mental health services are outside of the operational mandate of the town office, there are great opportunities to partner with rights-holding organizations, land claim and community groups to advance overall community wellness. Together, we can take a whole-of-community approach to mental health supports and services in town. This could take the form of advocacy, use of facilities or improved communications. I look forward to championing all three.
5) What is your favourite thing about Inuvik?
The residents of Inuvik and our strong sense of community. Our town is diverse and resilient. It is a joy to regularly attend community events and access programming as a family with our toddler.
6) Anything else you would like to add?
ISA国际影视传媒檇 like to hear from you about your thoughts on how to best advance our community. We are stronger together and everyoneSA国际影视传媒檚 ideas matter. Feel free to connect with me over Facebook (@ElectJenn), email (electjenn2024@gmail.com) or by seeing each other around town.
Please remember to vote on October 21.
The advance vote for the municipal election is Oct. 11 and election day is Oct. 21.
