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    Vote for health

    October 10th, 2008

     

    The upcoming Federal election (October 14), shadowed as it is by the upcoming US election, is one that needs our attention. What does this election mean for HIV/AIDS? Over the last two years, 21 million of 84.4 promised funding dollars have not been delivered. There are a lot of things 21 million dollars can do, many people who could benefit, and numerous infections that could be prevented. But it’s gone undelivered to those who could do the work.

    Health care is an issue in this election, but HIV hasn’t been specifically mentioned. It’s more about wait times and access. But if you go to the Liberal’s website and search for HIV/AIDS, you come up with support for Insite, Vancouver’s safe injection facility and criticism of the Conservative’s ban on gay men donating organs for transplant. If you go to the NDP’s website, you find support for Insite, and support for Stephen Lewis’ messages that it’s time to deliver on HIV treatment (a message that relates to the 2006 International AIDS conference). I couldn’t actually find a search option on the Conservative Party site (but I did find a shop option where I could buy a nifty t-shirt or two). 

    The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network sent seven key questions on HIV  to political parties. They received answers from the Liberals, NDP, Bloc Quebecois and Green Party. They got no response from the Conservative Party. If you want to know more about what your candidate’s stand is on HIV/AIDS, contact their office and ask to speak to them. The Canadian AIDS Society has a list of suggested questions. You can also attend a meeting- your candidate’s office will have schedule.

    Each of us can make a statement by putting that X in the ballot on October 14. Whatever you do, cast your vote with the same degree of attention you give the most important things in your life. Ask questions. Get answers. Vote. 

     

    Janet

    This was posted on Friday, October 10th, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under News . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.