A Canadian federal election is looming overhead and I am trying not to see the dark clouds. The possible storm would be a majority government for the Conservative party of Canada. This, of course, likely mirrors more of American Democrat values. In Canada, however, this is considered pretty right-wing. As a political junkie and a Canadian citizen, I feel an intense urge to participate in this election. This urge does not stem from nationalism or even pride of being a Canadian, although it’s hard to pinpoint a universal Canadian Identity; it stems from the recognition of a right that many people in the world do not have. A right to have some kind of say in who runs a country, what rights the people have within a country and so forth. In addition, I find that elections really bring Canadians out of our shells. Our voices are usually subdued by the loud howling of the United States, which truly dominates the world’s interest, whether it be politically based or situated in a Hollywood scandal.
In Canada, it is rare that we actually become aware of Stephen Harper and his activities in parliament. Luckily, the campaign trail has lead to the revealing of the Conservative Party’s misdeeds. Usually our political arena is quiet; we seem to be content with staring idly at the television, listening to Obama battle it out with the Tea Partiers. All the while Mr Harper purchases war planes and violates human rights at the G8 summit.
The month of April has revealed its ability to wake up Canadians - particularly those in my age group (b. 1980s). Suddenly, "vote-mobs" have been breaking out on campuses - shocking, since the young adult voter turnout in the last Canadian election was feeble to say the least. What is making people interested? Could it be the Canadian youth are closely watching the UK's student movement or picking up cues from the activists fighting for a stop to cuts in the U.S? Maybe we can look even further, to Egypt, where the people (predominantly 30 years old and younger) decided to revolt. They demanded change. Clearly, Canadian elections do not compare to the struggles in Egypt - but within a global society, where one can interact with someone thousands of miles away in mere seconds, we can easily be inspired by the actions of others. Youth apathy is becoming more a myth than a reality and the proof of this is only building. Is apathy really of value in our world right now, when so much is changing so fast?
With the constant flow of tragic news in 2011, from the disaster in Japan, the continuing bloodshed in Libya and the Ivory Coast and tensions in other parts of the Middle East, we can find solace in coming together to reach a common goal. The common goal varies – as so many issues need to be addressed immediately. The safety of our food, the liveability of our planet and the possibility of peace are all at stake in a constantly evolving world. We cannot afford to be apathetic, even in Canada. In Canada, much of the youth vote is for a government that will support real democracy. What we have in Canada right now, under the Harper regime, is not democracy.
Several days ago, at U of G or the University of Guelph in Ontario, a Conservative party member attempted to confiscate a ballot box that was set up by Elections Canada for an advanced poll in the U of G. This advanced polling has taken place for several years at the University with no problems reported in the past. In Canada, as in many other countries, tampering with election boxes or ballots is illegal. Not only is it illegal, but it is downright undemocratic and terribly repressive. This is the kind of deceitful and totalitarian behaviour that personifies the Conservative Party of Canada or as it is better known as, the Harper Government of Canada. Harper actually managed to change the government’s name, but that is another post all together.
Harper's politics resemble more of the American, Laissez-Faire model that promotes little to no government intervention - in fact, the opposition parties have been calling Harper's reign the "Americanization" of Canada. This of course reflects the value we place on universal healthcare in this country. Harper wants to start to privatize healthcare services and continue to advocate corporate relations similar to the U.S. Relations that do not support many regulations being required for businesses and corporations. Harper would rather invest in dirty oil and energy than focus sustainable energy resources; he has even gone so far to say that Canada still holds a high ranking in environmental sustainability!
In Canada, it is rare that we actually become aware of Stephen Harper and his activities in parliament. Luckily, the campaign trail has lead to the revealing of the Conservative Party’s misdeeds. Usually our political arena is quiet; we seem to be content with staring idly at the television, listening to Obama battle it out with the Tea Partiers. All the while Mr Harper purchases war planes and violates human rights at the G8 summit.
The month of April has revealed its ability to wake up Canadians - particularly those in my age group (b. 1980s). Suddenly, "vote-mobs" have been breaking out on campuses - shocking, since the young adult voter turnout in the last Canadian election was feeble to say the least. What is making people interested? Could it be the Canadian youth are closely watching the UK's student movement or picking up cues from the activists fighting for a stop to cuts in the U.S? Maybe we can look even further, to Egypt, where the people (predominantly 30 years old and younger) decided to revolt. They demanded change. Clearly, Canadian elections do not compare to the struggles in Egypt - but within a global society, where one can interact with someone thousands of miles away in mere seconds, we can easily be inspired by the actions of others. Youth apathy is becoming more a myth than a reality and the proof of this is only building. Is apathy really of value in our world right now, when so much is changing so fast?
With the constant flow of tragic news in 2011, from the disaster in Japan, the continuing bloodshed in Libya and the Ivory Coast and tensions in other parts of the Middle East, we can find solace in coming together to reach a common goal. The common goal varies – as so many issues need to be addressed immediately. The safety of our food, the liveability of our planet and the possibility of peace are all at stake in a constantly evolving world. We cannot afford to be apathetic, even in Canada. In Canada, much of the youth vote is for a government that will support real democracy. What we have in Canada right now, under the Harper regime, is not democracy.
Several days ago, at U of G or the University of Guelph in Ontario, a Conservative party member attempted to confiscate a ballot box that was set up by Elections Canada for an advanced poll in the U of G. This advanced polling has taken place for several years at the University with no problems reported in the past. In Canada, as in many other countries, tampering with election boxes or ballots is illegal. Not only is it illegal, but it is downright undemocratic and terribly repressive. This is the kind of deceitful and totalitarian behaviour that personifies the Conservative Party of Canada or as it is better known as, the Harper Government of Canada. Harper actually managed to change the government’s name, but that is another post all together.
Harper's politics resemble more of the American, Laissez-Faire model that promotes little to no government intervention - in fact, the opposition parties have been calling Harper's reign the "Americanization" of Canada. This of course reflects the value we place on universal healthcare in this country. Harper wants to start to privatize healthcare services and continue to advocate corporate relations similar to the U.S. Relations that do not support many regulations being required for businesses and corporations. Harper would rather invest in dirty oil and energy than focus sustainable energy resources; he has even gone so far to say that Canada still holds a high ranking in environmental sustainability!
But I digress.
Despite our usually calm political waters, Canadians - particularly young Canadians, have proven to have political opinions after all. It is reprehensible that the Conservative Party has attempted to shut down the youth vote in Guelph, but at the same time, the attempts to literally throw away votes has sparked something profound in many young voters. People are actually coming together, discussing important issues and coming up with ideas. It really demonstrates how politics can enrage us and while bringing us together - at least long enough to crack off a joke about the English-language debate or how Stephen Harper's hair has its own life-force. And, while we may not make US headlines with our political debates (both French and English) regarding Quebec separatism, the economy, universal health care or First Nations rights - we manage to reach out to others, even some from south of the border (i.e. Michael Moore) who find interest in our politics. Regardless of how much the American media cares about Canadian elections – it’s big news here and it’s getting Canadians all riled up, which just doesn’t happen enough anymore.
Despite our usually calm political waters, Canadians - particularly young Canadians, have proven to have political opinions after all. It is reprehensible that the Conservative Party has attempted to shut down the youth vote in Guelph, but at the same time, the attempts to literally throw away votes has sparked something profound in many young voters. People are actually coming together, discussing important issues and coming up with ideas. It really demonstrates how politics can enrage us and while bringing us together - at least long enough to crack off a joke about the English-language debate or how Stephen Harper's hair has its own life-force. And, while we may not make US headlines with our political debates (both French and English) regarding Quebec separatism, the economy, universal health care or First Nations rights - we manage to reach out to others, even some from south of the border (i.e. Michael Moore) who find interest in our politics. Regardless of how much the American media cares about Canadian elections – it’s big news here and it’s getting Canadians all riled up, which just doesn’t happen enough anymore.
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