Hamilton mayoral candidates to discuss community issues at ACCA debate

Candidates running for Hamilton mayor will face off again at the Afro Canadian Caribbean Association (ACCA) Thursday night.

Currently, five out of the 13 competing for the top seat have confirmed they’ll attend Thursday’s event.

Those expected in attendance include Andrea Horwath, Keanin Loomis, Scarlett Gillespie, Pamela Mitchell and Nathalie Xian Yi Yan.

The debate began at 6:30 p.m. and will run until 8:30 p.m.

Organizers say this debate is about more than listening to the candidates. It’s an opportunity for the community to ask questions and raise issues that matter. 

Housing and affordability, economic opportunity, community safety, youth, health and well-being are among the issues that will be put before candidates. 

WATCH MORE: Hamilton mayoral candidates clash over housing, taxes, safety in first debate

Earlier this week, Horwath, Loomis and Rob Cooper took the stage at the chamber of commerce mayor’s debate where they shared their visions for the city. 

This included building affordable housing, a safer downtown and property taxes. 

“We want to make sure that the community, the city council and mayors respond to the diversity of Hamilton in their policy decisions and in their actions. So really, to consider the diversity of Hamilton when they make decisions around social services, around housing and how do we look at the issues to make sure no one is left behind?” said Evelyn Myrie, one of the event organizers.

“It’s a very broad context to say that we are a very diverse city. Therefore, the decisions that are being made need to consider the diversity of our community in the spaces of power.”

Community members are being encouraged to come down and participate at this event. 

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