New initiative aims to boost Black northerners involvement in federal politics

An initiative encouraging Black people in Northern and Western Canada to run for office is taking place throughout March.

This event series will feature Black Members of Parliament, federal candidates and/or experienced campaign organizers from each major federal political party speaking to their experience running and providing insights on how to successfully seek a federal nomination.

This event is hosted by the newly formed Black Voters Matter Canada, a collective of Western and Northern-based Black community organizers.

Yellowknife resident and one of the organizers of BVM Canada, Ambe Chenemu says Black People, especially outside of Eastern and Atlantic Canada, are often underrepresented as candidates and elected officials and, as a result, are often disengaged with the political process.

“With a federal election rumoured to be called in this Spring, less diverse and qualified Black candidates will have the opportunity to prepare a successful run for office,” he adds.

BVM Canada is partnering with the four major federal political parties, Black-led community organizations, the Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour, the British Columbia Community Alliance and other national non-profits to host this event.

This event series will also provide attendees the opportunity to network with one another to build a regional community base for political support.

To attend an event in the series, register via EventBrite

Keven Dow
Keven Dow
News. Keven moved here from Ontario in November of 2018. As of December Keven is back to doing full-time news after transitioning into a news/mid-days position in late 2019. Prior to that, he was doing weekends/news for about 8-9 months. He's from a small tomato town in Ontario and went to College at Fanshawe for Radio Broadcasting. He loves talking about sports, entertainment, the community, and local events. Got a news tip? Email me at [email protected]

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