It is easy to see why Canadians seem to have a laissez-faire attitude to federal elections, but change will not happen without an engaged electorate.
For the fourth time in seven years, Canadians will be heading to the polls and it appears voters are resigned to the fact little will change regardless of how they vote.
It is not that Canadians do not care, but it is clear voters are frustrated with Parliament where it appears no one’s hands are clean.
Mulroney’s Progressive Conservative government ended under a cloud of suspicion, the Jean Chretien/Paul Martin Liberal regime collapsed as a result of the ad scam and now it appears Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Tory government is also less than squeaky clean. Harper’s government has come under fire due to the unclear costs of fighter jets and International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda changing a document signed by Canadian International Development Agency officials.
The transgressions of Harper’s government led to its demise through a lost non-confidence motion as it was found in contempt of Parliament
Unfortunately, as a result of the recent run of derelict governments, Canadians almost seemed dulled to the election process.
This when one often hears the rhetoric about getting out to vote as one can only force changes by casting a ballot.
That is not always the case.
Of course, Canadians should cast a ballot on May 2, but being involved in the election process is more than just voting.
Canadian soldiers are currently fighting overseas to secure the rights of Libyans and Afghans to free speech and democracy.
Canadians have those rights, but do not take full advantage and we seem content with our federal governments’ ongoing shenanigans.
Canadians should demand more from their government. They should hold them accountable.
To do so they must do more than just show up at the ballot box on May 2.
Canadian taxpayers need to force change and it can be done by getting actively involved in the election process — attend forums, become educated on the issues, join a constituency association and speak your mind.
Canadians are not apathetic and change can happen, but only if a frustrated electorate stands up and demands better government.
