Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Your guide to Civic Engagement inyour community
Get Involved
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
Voting is a democratic right that allows you tohave your say about who represents you ingovernment. In Canada there are three levelsof government that each have differentresponsibilities; federal, provincial, andmunicipal. Each level of government also hasa different structure. To understand moreabout voting and the election process, see ourGET INVOLVED Master Civic EngagementHandbook located on the LMLIPwebsite.Voting is a great way to get involvedwith your community!
Advance poll and special ballot
You need a voter information card If You don't have a voter information card
On Election Day
If your information is in the NationalRegister of Electors, you will receive avoter information card. This tells you thatyour name is on the voters list and whenand where to vote.
If you do not get a voter informationcard in the mail, call your local electionsoffice to get on the voters list. To get thisnumber, you can phone Elections Canadain Ottawa at 1800 4636868 or go to theirwebsite: www.elections.ca
If you cannot vote on Election Day, you canvote at the advance polls or by special ballot.Dates and location for advance polls are onyour voter information card.
You need to go to your local polling station to vote.The information is written on your voter informationcard. The poll officials at the polling station willconfirm you are on the voters list by asking your nameand address. You must bring identification with you toprove your dentity. Then, you will be given a ballot.
Government Responsibilities:Citizenship and ImmigrationDefence and Foreign PolicyPost OfficeMoneyEmployment Insurance (EI)Canada Pension Plan (CPP)Royal Canadian MountedPolice (RCMP)Taxes
Provincial ResponsibilitiesHealth and EducationLicensesHighwaysPrisonsTransportationParksTourismTaxes
Municipal ResponsibilitiesGarbage and RecyclingPolice and Fire ProtectionStreetsHousingRecreationPublic LibraryPublic TransitWater and SewerTaxes
For more information see: immigration.london.ca/LMLIP
And look for the Civic Engagement Handbook: Get INVOLVED!
VOLUNTEER!
For many people in Canada, it can bedifficult to meet new people and make newfriends especially when English is not yourfirst language. Volunteering is a great wayto get out of the house, meet new peopleand learn about Canadian society. Avolunteer is a person who helps otherswithout getting paid and the best way tostart is in your own community!.
EXAMPLES OF VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES IN GENERAL• Help organize an event• Help a child with a school subject• Serve breakfast/lunch/dinner to homeless or lessfortunate people• Answer the telephone at a nonprofit organization• Do translation or interpretation• Make follow up phone calls to clients or customersLists of nonprofit organizations who may need volunteers can befound on local websites, or through websites such as Pillar Nonprofit.
having your voice heard
Do you have a suggestion for your community? Well don’tbe shy! Using your voice is one way to be involved in yourcommunity. Try some of these activities in order to makeyour voice heard.1. Writing a letter to a newspaper, magazine, television station,or your local Member of Parliament;
2. Phoning in to a radio show or to a political party’s departmentto discuss your views and/or concerns about a particular matter;
3. Emailing a business, organization, newspaper or magazine, orcompleting an online survey or form;
4. Attending local community or town hall meetings to discussyour views and/or concerns in person, or by making anappointment to meet someone in person to discuss these viewsand/or concerns;
5. Assembling peacefully through a public demonstration.For more information see: immigration.london.ca/LMLIP
And look for the Civic Engagement Handbook: Get INVOLVED!
How to get INVOLVEDwith
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT!
Civic engagement means people participating in social and politicalactivities within their community and their country. Taking part incivic activities helps build your community and shape the nation. Italso helps with social integration and inclusion. As you become anactive citizen in your community, your culture, history and valuesbecome a part of Canada and Canada becomes a part of you.This kind of civic responsibility creates productive,responsible, caring and contributing members of a society.Our Civic Engagement Handbook outlines three main waysto get involved in your community.1. Volunteering2. Having a Voice3, Elections and VotingThe image below also describes other ways to be involved.
For more information see: immigration.london.ca/LMLIP
And look for the Civic Engagement Handbook: Get INVOLVED!
