Lakehead University students in Thunder Bay had the opportunity to gain insights into local mayoral candidates at a Mayoral Forum Debate held on campus at the Outpost pub. The Lakehead University Student Union, which coordinated the event, was pleased with the turnout of hundreds of residents and students.
Aliss Chavarri, the union’s president and a biology student, emphasized the importance of students’ involvement in municipal elections, highlighting that students are integral community members with a stake in local issues like housing. Chavarri expressed the need for candidates to address housing concerns, particularly for post-graduation stability.
Aryendra Singh, a fourth-year computer science student from India, shared his perspective on the lack of technology job opportunities in the city, stressing the impact on his future prospects. Singh also noted issues like homelessness and crime in Thunder Bay and attended the debate to understand candidates’ approaches to these challenges.
Felix Ikokwu, a software engineering student, viewed the debate as a valuable opportunity for students to engage with candidates and make informed decisions, emphasizing transit as a crucial issue for many students. Matthew Emmanuel, studying Nursing, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the far-reaching effects of election outcomes on the community.
Student leaders like Emmanuel found the discussion on housing crisis insightful, although time constraints limited the depth of candidate responses. Despite this, students appreciated the chance to hear candidates’ perspectives on key issues like transit, fees, and housing during the forum.
The Mayoral Forum Debate provided a platform for students to interact with candidates and delve into critical community concerns, fostering a more informed electorate at Lakehead University.