With the upcoming election on April 28, the Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PVLIP) is taking steps to ensure that all eligible voters—especially newcomers to Canada—understand the voting process.
“When elections are called, whether they’re federal, provincial or municipal, then we try to take a little more of a direct approach to making sure new Canadian citizens are aware of the opportunity that they get to make their voice heard,” - Elaine Burton-Saindon, Coordinator with PVLIP
Free sessions open to all
“We’re trying to make sure that new Canadian citizens in the area have that information,” said PVLIP Coordinator Elaine Burton-Saindon. “They may never have voted in their life before, depending what country they've come from.”
Burton-Saindon emphasizes that the sessions are open to anyone, not just newcomers. “It’s a free and open opportunity. It’s learning what the process [is], what’s involved. And then who and what you decide is a different story—but for us, it's just about understanding the process.”
Encouraging civic engagement
One of the mandates of Local Immigration Partnerships across Canada is to promote civic engagement. According to Burton-Saindon, this can range from voting at the national level to participating in local volunteerism and leadership roles.
“When elections are called, whether they’re federal, provincial or municipal, then we try to take a little more of a direct approach to making sure new Canadian citizens are aware of the opportunity that they get to make their voice heard,” she explained.
“Our communities in this region are one-third non-Canadian. So, foreign-born people in our region, in the Pembina Valley, represent about 33% of our population.” - Elaine Burton-Saindon, Coordinator of PVLIP
Barriers to understanding
Burton-Saindon noted that some newcomers may face unique challenges in understanding Canada’s voting system. “If anyone came from a fear-based voting process, this is something to be aware of—that [our system] is free and it is fair, and that you can have an opinion, and it does matter.”
She also shared a striking demographic statistic: “Our communities in this region are one-third non-Canadian. So, foreign-born people in our region, in the Pembina Valley, represent about 33% of our population.”
Where and when
Three information sessions are being held across the region:
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Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 PM – 500 Stephen Street, Morden
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Thursday, April 10 at 12:30 PM – The Community Exchange, 116 Main Street, Altona (lunch provided)
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Wednesday, April 16 at 9:30 AM – Central Station, Winkler
For more details, visit PVLIP’s website, Facebook page, or check the local events calendar at www.pembinavalleyonline.com or the Pembina Valley Online app.
What to expect at the sessions
“These are not just us,” Burton-Saindon clarifies. “PVLIP is really engaged in collaborating with the partnerships who have the knowledge and information level. So that’s why we’re hosting them at local community centre's, as well as Elections Canada officials will be the ones presenting the information.”
She adds, “We’re just trying to bring the… puzzle together with all the pieces and make sure that the opportunity is there for people to gain more awareness, understand the process, and also be able to maybe plan.”
Everyone can help spread the word
Burton-Saindon encourages local residents to share the opportunity with anyone who might benefit. “It’s always a challenge trying to find the right audience, right? To get the right people at the table. So really, if we could encourage anyone who hears about this opportunity… help share the information.”
She also suggests bringing along a newcomer who might not feel confident attending alone. “Maybe your neighbor’s a newcomer or maybe you work with somebody and they’re curious… just offer to be that person to bring them along.”
Why vote?
When asked why voting matters, Burton-Saindon keeps it simple: “Because your voice matters.”
Local Elections Canada Office
Elections Canada
282 Loren Dr, Suite 2
Morden, MB R6M 0G2
Phone: 1 866-288-1741