Young father and LGBTQ student defend social programs
Through Their Eyes is a video series that examines federal election issues from the perspective of real people. We’ve paired Calgarians from different backgrounds to explain their points of view on the issues that matter to them. It’s not an interview or a debate, it’s a conversation, and the Calgary Journal invites you to join in.
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Jennah Martens-Forrester and Chris Brennan are the subjects of the final instalment in our federal election series. Martens-Forrester, 26, is in her second year of a combined degree in anthropology and development studies at the University of Calgary. She also works as a co-ordinator for the university’s Bystander Intervention Program, and is the academic vice-president of its Consent Awareness and Sexual Education Club. Martens-Forrester is Métis, and is a member of the LGBTQ community. One of her biggest election concerns is what the government will do to support marginalized minorities.
Jennah Martens-Forrester and Chris Brennan see eye to eye on many of the issues they discuss, especially those relating to investment in social programs. Brennan, 35, is a self-employed DJ who provides music for weddings and corporate events. He grew up in a small community outside of Vegreville, Alta. Brennan lives in West Hillhurst with his wife and their 19-month-old son. They don’t use daycare, but access to affordable child care is still a big priority for them. Brennan and Martens-Forrester both worry about how one-issue voters, specifically those who focus only on economic issues, will impact the outcome of the election.
Edited by Ashley Grant
Chris Brennan says that while the economy is important, it can’t be the only issue voters focus on. Photo by Tara Rathgeber.
Jennah Martens-Forrester wants to see the Canadian government put more funding into social programs that support minorities. Photo by Madison Farkas.