Elections: Fund local public health
Get informed. Get involved. Go vote.
When you vote, you register your opinion on how you think the government should operate. It is your right. Voters consistently rate health care as a top concern and the public health system is a powerful resource to help increase health opportunities for everyone in the community.
Voters: What to consider
Governments play an important role in shaping policies that impact all aspects of our lives, including our health. Public Health Sudbury & Districts aims to highlight several key public health issues for voters to consider during an election cycle. We are counting on you to make health matter in your election journey and beyond.
Decide how you will vote by:
- Visiting the websites of municipal council candidates to better understand their platform and promises.
- Comparing your ideas and values with those of municipal council candidates. Find out which platform you most identify with.
- Asking questions to municipal council candidates who come to your door or reach out to politicians by email and social media or at public debates.
- Ask municipal council candidates about the positions and issues that most impact your life and that of your community.
Browse this section to learn about how you can get informed, get involved, and go vote.
Fund local public health
With a provincial election around the corner, vote to sustainably fund public health for healthier communities!
Local public health agencies get a mere 1% of the provincial health sector budget, and funding has not kept up with inflation. It’s no wonder we’ve seen a negative impact on our population’s health and life expectancy! Tackling some of society’s biggest challenges—from managing pandemics to preventing chronic diseases —is what Public Health does. Sustainable funding means keeping the lights on for programs and services that promote and protect health and prevent disease for everyone.
Learn more about investing in healthier communities.
Fund childhood vaccination efforts
Healthy kids, happy futures! Keep their vaccinations up to date and protect their tomorrow!
Every child deserves a healthy start in life. Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect them from preventable diseases. But this doesn’t happen by itself: consistent, long-term funding for public health is essential to make vaccines accessible for ALL. We know that choosing to not vaccinate a child increases their risk of dangerous diseases. Let’s protect them! Globally, measles cases have been on the rise. According to Public Health Ontario, 81 measles infections were reported in Ontario between January 2024/25. Two measles outbreaks have been reported in Ontario since the beginning of this year, with one spreading to another province. These outbreaks require ongoing coordination between public health units to contact those who are sick and warn the public of the risks of possible exposure. Ontario has also experienced a widespread increase in whooping cough (pertussis) in 2024, with 1634 infections—the highest seen since 2007. This surge in illness proves the critical need for vaccinations to protect our communities.
Without adequate funding, we risk outbreaks of dangerous diseases like measles, polio, whooping cough, and diphtheria—leading to more illness, hospital visits, and most importantly, more children at risk.
Let us stand together to protect our children’s health and future. Learn more about investing in healthier communities.
Fund being prepared for emergencies
COVID-19 was brutal for everyone. Let’s be real— we have to be better prepared. But, knowing that a pandemic could happen again, sustainable funding for Public Health is critical to save lives and be ready to respond to future emergencies in ways that reduce their impact and DON’T completely upend everything we know.
This election is an opportunity to ask questions, engage in respectful discussions, and of course—vote!
Learn more about investing in healthier communities.
Fund investments in our children
Public health services set the foundation for child and family success.
Programs like Healthy Babies, Healthy Children help kids and caregivers thrive, but right now, these programs are underfunded and stretched thin. For 16 years, this program has received no funding increases—leaving fewer resources to support more families. The result? Worsening mental health, rising substance use, and more children falling through the cracks due to harmful childhood experiences. We can’t afford to wait any longer. It is time to tie funding to inflation and population growth to meet the needs of today’s families. Every child deserves support to reach their full potential.
Learn more about investing in healthier communities.
This item was last modified on February 19, 2025