People who attended the anti-poverty rally at Sarnia City Hall Friday were encouraged to make their voices heard by voting Monday.
Poverty Reduction Network Chair Karen Mathewson said there are things in the federal government's control they can do to alleviate poverty across Canada.
Karen Mathewson speaks at an anti-poverty rally in Sarnia.
"They can be putting more money into communities to build new affordable housing, they can be looking at healthcare across the country, they can enact laws that there isn't two-tiered healthcare, they also can implement a universal drug coverage program. There are so many people that have to make the choices between paying their rent, buying their food, or buying medication for themselves or their children."
Mathewson said it's a real struggle for people to find affordable housing.
"We meet many people at the landlord and tenant board, who are working 40 hours a week, sometimes at two or three different jobs and it's just not enough money for them to be able to afford their rent and also buy healthy food and things that their kids need."
Mathewson said landlords often evict people receiving social assistance because they're in arrears for rent, and that's because they don't get enough money.
"People in receipt of Ontario Works only receive $733 a month, maximum, and our statistics show that rents for a one-bedroom apartment are $950. So a lot of people are having to rely on food banks."
Mathewson hopes residents review each party's platform over the weekend to make educated decisions Monday.
Polls for the federal election are open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Ontario.