Mayoral candidate Pat Corbett-Labatt says more collaboration between organizations is needed to combat issues like affordability.
The two-horse race for mayor of Port Hardy is coming near to a close, with voting on Oct. 15.
Corbett-Labatt has lived in the community since 1975, after coming for seasonal work that became long-term.
She has since raised her family in Port Hardy, now with grandchildren in the town. She has been on council since 2014, sitting two terms, and worked for the Mount Waddington Health Network and Hardy Bay Senior Citizens’ Society.
Heading into the 2021 municipal election, Corbett-Labatt says the biggest issue is intertwined under social determinants of health.
“That’s including housing and appropriate housing, education and educating people within the community, food and security,” said Corbett-Labatt. “When I look at our poverty in the community which is in the top five in the province, food and security is huge.
“I look at our youth, I look at gender inequality, cultural safety, [and] employment.”
Corbett-Labatt says the town also has public intoxication and drug abuse issues.
If elected, Corbett-Labatt says ensuring strong relationships with community partners, like RCMP, Island Health and First Nations will be necessary to move forward and address issues.
“We’re a small community but we have big city problems and it’s huge.”
Corbett-Labatt says she feels strongly about these issues in the community and wants to advocate for wellness in the community.
MyTriPortNow is reaching out to all mayoral candidates for their comments.
