Spin season
Canada is about the embark its longest federal election since 1872.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper requested dissolution of parliament on Sunday, setting the country up for 11-weeks of campaign capers.
While some may be thinking about building election-proof bubbles to escape robo-calls, radio ads and mail-outs, the fact is Canada needs us to check in, not out—especially with our environment, economy and the future of our democracy at stake.
Skepticism, not cynicism, is needed. For within the most abused statistics, party policies or leadership and candidate debates are the answers Canadians need to cast an informed vote.
In the 2011 election voter turn-out was just over 60 per cent, a number that could be compared to a time than when the franchise was limited to property-owning men. With more on the line than ever before, Canadians cannot afford to tune out.
This election will be a challenge for campaigners, their supporters and voters, but Canadians must beaver away until
E-day, October 19.
Some media outlets are speculating that this election will be the most American-style Canadian election yet, but it should be noted by even the most cynical minds that there are limits at least to this type of political poppycock. The use of the word ‘poppycock’ being proof positive that Canada’s media is distinctly un-American.
Canada’s parliamentary system, while far from perfect is at least Donald Trump-free for now—a happy reminder to Canadians who can raise heads high in pride and be thankful for that.
So while leaders bicker about just who gets to participate in televised debates, about taxable Child Tax Credits, or which issues matter most to voters—look not to which candidate looks most professional behind a podium, but to the political platform bears the most substance and aligns with your values.
Perhaps 11 weeks isn’t too long to give the undecided more time research issues and decide who deserves their vote. That is if they can pull their attention from summer vacations and family road trips.
While the focus of federal elections falls to the party leaders, it’s important to remember that 338 representatives will be elected this fall. Whichever party sees the highest number of candidates elected will have its leader become Prime Minister.
