It has come to our attention that the ‘Saugeen Shores Citizens’ Coalition (S2C2) has called into question the Moderator’s role at the recent All-candidates meeting focused on affordable housing and hosted by the ‘United Housing for All’ (UHFA) organization that advocates for the topic of affordable housing.
The question was raised on social media by Micheline Mann of the S2C2, and campaign organizer for Mayoral candidate Brian Putman, on the capacity of the Moderator of the meeting, Mini Jacques, inferring that Ms. Jacques may have, perhaps, not been impartial as she is also Chair of the UHFA.
Ms. Jacques’ response made publicly is as follows:
“The answer to this question is a definite YES!!!!!
Thank you for raising these questions. I welcome the opportunity to clarify a few important points.
First and foremost, I want to make it very clear that I did not publicly endorse any candidates before or during the United Housing For All (UHFA) All-Candidates Housing Meeting. My personal endorsements were made two days AFTER the meeting had taken place and the voting process had already started.
As Chair of UHFA, I take my responsibilities to the organization and our community seriously.
When I moderated the All-Candidates Housing Meeting, I was acting in my official capacity as Chair and moderator. My role as moderator was to remain impartial, ensure that every candidate was treated fairly and respectfully, provide each candidate with an equal opportunity to respond to questions, and keep the meeting focused on housing in Saugeen Shores.
From the response that I received from all the candidates at our UHFA All-Candidates meeting that evening and those in attendance I as moderator and our group achieved our goals and objectives for the candidates that are listed above.
My personal endorsements were made separately and solely in my capacity as a private individual. They reflect my own political views and do not represent UHFA, its membership, or the position of the organization.
And to be fair, I had not made up my mind regarding all the candidates. I was going to vote for until I listened to the candidates at the UHFA meeting on Tuesday.
My personal views did not affect how I conducted the meeting or how I treated any candidate present or not present at that meeting.
Here is the link to the video of the all candidates meeting that I moderated, and you can decide for yourself of my neutrality as moderator at this event
Please note – There is an important distinction between carrying out an impartial organizational responsibility and exercising one’s democratic right to express personal political opinions.
I believe the fairness of a moderator should be judged by how the meeting was conducted, whether candidates were treated equally, and whether everyone was given the same opportunity to participate.
Regarding affordable housing, I agree that accountability and measurable progress are important. There is certainly more work to be done, and that is precisely why UHFA continues to advocate for affordable, safe, and stable housing in our community.
UHFA’s purpose is to encourage informed public discussion, advocate for meaningful housing solutions, and keep housing affordability at the forefront of municipal decision-making. This all candidates meeting which I moderated on behalf of the group did just that.
My commitment to those objectives remains unchanged, regardless of who is elected to Council.
I respect that others may support different candidates. That is part of a healthy democracy, and I encourage everyone to research the candidates, ask questions, and make their own informed decisions. And if you want endorse the candidates publicly! That too, is your choice!
We live in a democratic country where individuals are free to participate in civic life in different ways, including serving in organizational roles, moderating public discussions, expressing personal political views, and endorsing candidates of their choice. This is democracy at work and how our Canadian political system works.
These rights and responsibilities can coexist, provided that individuals act fairly, transparently, and respectfully in each role they undertake. Whether you are a moderator at an event, a supporter of a political candidate or endorsing political candidates you have a right to voice your opinion. Being able to make an endorsements is an act of freedom and furthers democracy.
Being able to make public statements such as Ms. Mann has also done with her own opinion piece allows all of us to have free speech and endorse and vote for our chosen candidates.
That is Canada and that is democracy
Please vote for your chosen candidate!”
Regards,
Catherine Dianne (Mini) Jacques.
