Midwestern

Grey Bruce Candidates Asked To Consider 'Healthy Communities'

The Grey Bruce Health Unit is pushing politicians to remember the decisions they make affect peoples' health.

The health unit is sending a package to every candidate in the election campaign, reminding them that healthy communities is an election issue.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn says income inequality is one issue where federal politicians can make a difference.

"So supporting a basic income guarantee, supporting reliable local employment and business opportunities and really pushing full time work rather than casual and part time and contract work allows people to be confident in their ability to make a living, and stay healthy," says Doctor Lynn.

Another area that should be an issue is transportation, especially in rural areas.

"And we know that lack of transportation is a barrier to education, to employment, to health care and many other social services, it leads to an isolation and vulnerability. Humans don't do well when they're isolated and lonely," says Lynn.

Dr. Lynn adds other areas where federal politicians can make a difference are environment and climate change, healthy housing, healthy food systems and access to recreation.

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