BY BILL PHILLIPS
Cori Ramsay has a reputation as a poverty reduction specialist. She has travelled across Canada talking about poverty reduction, including the United Nations Association of Canada, and last year she was a speaker at the inaugural UNBC TEDx event.
What she knows about poverty, she learned first-hand.
“I grew up living in poverty, and I’ve seen what it actually looks like,” she said Thursday, announcing to a crowd of about 40 people at Two Rivers Gallery that she is seeking a seat on city council. “I am passionate about vulnerable populations. I want to see our city thrive and that means tackling the hard issues like poverty reduction.”
Last year she learned about the sustainable development goals from the United Nations Association of Canada, she said. The 2030 global agenda tackles issues such as poverty, hunger, health, education, global warming, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, urbanization, and social justice.
Sustainability is key for the success of our community, she says, adding Prince George’s aging infrastructure and aging work force are a concern. According to the city’s annual report, 12 per cent of the population is 65 years old or older and that number is expected to double in the next 20 years.
“I find that statistic extremely concerning,” she said. “Prince George needs a young, progressive voice that is going to help strategize long solutions for diversifying our economy and ensuring the community remains sustainable.”
Last year she was named one of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce’s Top 40 Under 40 and is a communications officer at Integris Credit Union.
“I think a young voice is what’s needed on council to really ensure we remain sustainable,” she said. “If young people don’t step up, what does our future look like?”
She says there are many issues is is passionate about – a vibrant downtown, better infrastructure and city facilities, better parking public transportation, bike lanes, cultural events, affordable housing, thriving local businesses.
“Our council is making real change on the issues that impact our community, I want to be part of that change,” she said.
She added that after speaking at UNBC TEDx, then attending the United Nations, and being named to the Top 40 Under 40, seeking a seat on city council is the next step.
“My campaign platform is simple … people and Prince George,” she said. “I believe that together we can build a better Prince George.”