Election time is just around the corner and Canadians from coast to coast are preparing to participate in a pretty big election. For over a decade our country has been run by the Harper Conservatives, and on Monday, October 19 we’ll be given the opportunity to possibly change that. As citizens of this country we have the right, privilege and responsibility to participate in a democratic election. It’s up to us to do our research, ask questions and equip ourselves with the right tools to elect the right people who are going to represent us on every level of government, in this case federally. As we approach Election Day, ask yourself how the current government makes you feel. If you are not happy then it should serve as motivation to participate in the 2015 federal election. In this issue you can learn more about the three major party candidates running in this election in your riding.New Democratic Party: Dr. Hal ‎Berman Dr. Berman has been involved with the New Democratic Party since 1984. Berman provides home care to patients through the Temmy Latner Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital. He is also an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, where he manages the end-of-life care education curriculum. And serves as camp doctor at Camp Erin, an annual camp that provides support for children and youth ages 6-17 who are grieving loss. This is Berman’s first time running for public office.“I am excited to be a part of what I hope will be a truly historic election on October 19.”Liberal: Michael Levitt Michael Levitt is a lifelong Liberal and a dedicated volunteer who has worked on federal, provincial and municipal campaigns. He is a founding member of the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee, a member of the Bathurst Manor Action Group and sits on the boards of the Koffler Centre of the Arts and Mount Sinai Hospital. Levitt is a local businessman, happily married and the proud father of two children. If elected, he will continue to focus on the local issues, like the protection of Downsview Park, economic development and opportunities for all York Centre residents. Conservative: Mark Adler Mark Adler has been a Member of Parliament for York Centre since May 2, 2011. He is a member of the House of Commons Finance Committee and Government Operations Committee. Adler works closely with the Department of Public Works and Government Services and is Co-Chair of the Canada-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Co-Chair of the All-Party Interfaith Committee and Co-Chair of the All-Party Eating Disorder Caucus. Throughout his life, Adler has dedicated his time to raise awareness about discrimination and antisemitism.We asked each party candidate several questions to better help you understand how they will represent you in the community. Downsview Advocate:“Polls show that the NDP has a chance, for the first time, to form government. Why should people give the NDP a chance?”Hal Berman - NDP:“In the last decade Canadians have seen their country change from the vision that we hold for it. Our short-sided foreign policy has earned us international ridicule. Our civil rights have been challenged time and time again by a government that would keep power by using fear to divide us. The New Democratic Party has a history of being at the forefront of social change, from Medicare to social assistance. It is the only party that insists that full time workers be paid a salary that keeps them above the poverty line. It is the only party that has a clear plan to defend and strengthen public health care, including a National Palliative Care strategy. We are the only ones who will ensure that people can afford to work with the knowledge that their children are safe in quality, affordable, $15 dollar a day daycare.”For more information or to contact the campaign office visit: http://halberman.ndp.ca/ Downsview Advocate:“Polls have shown your party as coming in 3rd, why should people vote for the Liberal party this time, when many walked away from it in 2011?”Micheal Levitt -Liberal:“We’re a new, re-engaged party, presenting new and strong ideas to make Canada better. We have a plan and a team to grow the middle class and provide a fair opportunity to Canadians, or individuals wanting to become Canadian, to better their lives in this country. For almost ten years, this country has suffered from myopic, self-serving government. It’s time for real change.”For more information or to contact the campaign office visit: http://michaellevitt.liberal.ca/biography/Mark Adler -Conservative:Did not answer any questions.For more information or to contact the campaign office visit: http://markadler2015.com/