NorWest Community Health Centres to help clients vote

THUNDER BAY — A Thunder Bay health centre that provides a wide range of services for vulnerable populations is helping to remove barriers for their clients to vote in the upcoming provincial election.

NorWest Community Health Centres will be providing opportunities for people who use their services, including the Care Bus, to get the necessary identification and other documents required for presentation at the polling station.

That can include an attestation, said Nicole Fieduna, the centre’s manager of safer supply and who is involved with the initiative, which is effectively a form that acts as a voucher signed by a representative of a service centre, like a shelter or community health centre, that says the voter is who they say they are.

“So, we have key people that are identified within our organization that are willing to vouch for people,” Fieduna said. “But in itself, it's really just one form and you just need to say who you are (and) you just need a full name and a last name.”

“You don't need any ID in order to fill out the form and it takes just a couple minutes of time to complete.”

The person then would present that form at the poll to be able to vote.

In order for NorWest to provide that, however, a client must have sought service at least five times so the organization can accurately confirm someone’s identity. Fieduna said that’s why the Care Bus is a great avenue for this, as it runs seven days a week and, given the current cold snap, is often running at extended hours.

NorWest is also holding a pair of days this month to help get the word out to the people they serve. On Feb. 13, they’re hosting a pop-up health clinic at PACE (People Advocating for Change Through Empowerment) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., which will also include, what Fieduna called an “education corner,” where people can learn about the electoral process and get the necessary credentials to vote.

And on Feb. 19, the organization will host another event at the NorWest offices from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with this one being geared specifically to the election. Fieduna said that is scheduled to include things like a mock polling station, an education booth and services where people can either become registered to vote or get an attestation.

Making sure that one’s inability to get ID in time or their being homeless or underhoused isn’t a barrier to participate in democracy is important, she said.

“NorWest works with so many vulnerable populations and many of which may not feel that their voices are being heard or if it’s important,” she said. “I think we all have the right for our voices to be heard and amplified for as loud as we can and sometimes you just also need help to find the resources.”

“I just think it’s important.”

Fieduna said she’s excited to speak with clients about it.

“I get so excited when I hear my clients talking about the upcoming election — and I have,” she said. “It's just really exciting to see people feel excited and empowered already.”