Bird-dogging is a hunting term. The bird-dog has to run into the bushes and flush out birds into the open. Politicians hide behind rhetoric, party lines and self congratulating rather than addressing issues.

In a political context, bird-dogging means attending an elected official's event and forcing them comment, state their stance or change it. It involves raising awareness about community issues, holding a wily politician to their word or pressuring them to make a commitment. Using succinct, pointed questions bird-doggers force politicians to get on the record about a certain issue. This can provide fodder for alternative journalists, who can produce stories on the subject and expose the official to other citizens. This guide includes:

On October 25th, make Better Choices.
Why should you consider the candidates endorsed by Waterloo Region's Better Choices? Because you want your local governments to be able to deliver quality public services while supporting the local economy, paying a living wage, while making environmental sustainability a priority.

The following priorities were developed in consultations with local unions and community groups and will go a long way to make our communities a better place for everyone.  Municipalities Matter!