Liberalism or Conservatism-Decision Time
“Elections remind us
not only of the rights but the responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy.”-
Robert Kennedy
Elections in Canada are usually not exciting. However, Monday’s election is far from being dull and uninteresting. Canadians go to poll on October 21 to elect a new government. There has been heightened interest and buzz n recent weeks as the election date approach. Many pundits predict that this election will be the closet in the history of recent elections. According to the most recent polls by Nanos Research the incumbent, Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party has 32.6 % support of electorate, compared to 30.3% favouring the Conservative Party led by Andrew Scheer. The New Democratic Party (NDP) is third at 18. 4%. This means that Trudeau is in the fight of his life to retain power. The polls indicate that we have a strong possibility that no party will emerge from the elections with an absolute majority. It is very likely that we will have a minority government. The idea of a coalition government appears unrealistic. There are 338 seats in the Canadian House of Commons, called Members of Parliament; they are directly elected by the electorate. The Jagmeet Singh led New Democratic Party (NDP) will not win. Some argue that if predictions hold true the NDP party might be in a strong position to have a powerful say regarding the direction of Canada if the party is asked to join a coalition government. The other political parties are the Bloc Quebecois, the Green Party headed by Elizabeth May and the People's Party of Canada. Trudeau’s re-election campaign was negatively impacted when pictures emerged of him in blackface. At least three videos have emerged of Trudeau wearing blackface. He apologized and asked for forgiveness for what he himself acknowledged as racist. Predictably, Trudeau’s rivals have pounced upon this issue in a campaign which seen some amount of mudslinging. At the end of the day, will Trudeau’s apology be enough to sway the electorate to give him a second term? Undoubtedly, Trudeau is from a privileged background. In addition to being white and male his father Pierre was a four-term Prime Minister. Additionally, one of his grandfathers served as a government minister. Trudeau who oftentimes describes himself as a feminist won the endorsement of former United States President, Barack Obama. In a tweet Obama said, “the world needs his progressive leadership now, and I hope our neighbours to the North support him for another term.”Obama referred to Trudeau as an effective leader who tackled big issues like climate change. Will Obama’s endorsement makes a difference to the reelection bid of Trudeau? French speaking Quebec is especially important in the quest for political power in Canadian elections since the province accounts for 78 of the 338 seats in the House of Commons.
Canada has a population of 36.7 million. The country has an unemployment rate of 6.3% and a per capita rate of $48, 265. The 2019 Index of Economic Freedom ranks Canada’s economy as the eight freest with a score of 77.7 As the world’s second largest country by land area Canada is ranked tenth in the world regarding its economy. Canada is known for its multiculturalism, tolerance and liberal policies especially in the areas of human rights. The economy of Canada is relatively strong and the jobless rate is near at historic low. The country has been a safe haven especially for those who face prosecution surrounding their sexual orientation. Canada continues to be viewed as an appealing place where immigrants flock to for a second chance. Trudeau and his Liberal Party were swept in power in 2015. Trudeau at the time promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The extent to which he has made good on this promise is left to be seen. The campaigning is over and now it’s time for the electorate to speak. The international media will be kept busy as they try to keep the international community up-to-date regarding the outcome of the election. As one of the more stable democracies the outcome of the Canadian elections should not send ripple effects across the capitals of the world. Will Canada continue on the pathway of liberalism for another four years or will the electorate decide it’s time to return to conservatism?
In the powerful words of Michelle Obama, elections aren’t just about who votes but who doesn’t vote.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#CanadaElection2019
Elections in Canada are usually not exciting. However, Monday’s election is far from being dull and uninteresting. Canadians go to poll on October 21 to elect a new government. There has been heightened interest and buzz n recent weeks as the election date approach. Many pundits predict that this election will be the closet in the history of recent elections. According to the most recent polls by Nanos Research the incumbent, Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party has 32.6 % support of electorate, compared to 30.3% favouring the Conservative Party led by Andrew Scheer. The New Democratic Party (NDP) is third at 18. 4%. This means that Trudeau is in the fight of his life to retain power. The polls indicate that we have a strong possibility that no party will emerge from the elections with an absolute majority. It is very likely that we will have a minority government. The idea of a coalition government appears unrealistic. There are 338 seats in the Canadian House of Commons, called Members of Parliament; they are directly elected by the electorate. The Jagmeet Singh led New Democratic Party (NDP) will not win. Some argue that if predictions hold true the NDP party might be in a strong position to have a powerful say regarding the direction of Canada if the party is asked to join a coalition government. The other political parties are the Bloc Quebecois, the Green Party headed by Elizabeth May and the People's Party of Canada. Trudeau’s re-election campaign was negatively impacted when pictures emerged of him in blackface. At least three videos have emerged of Trudeau wearing blackface. He apologized and asked for forgiveness for what he himself acknowledged as racist. Predictably, Trudeau’s rivals have pounced upon this issue in a campaign which seen some amount of mudslinging. At the end of the day, will Trudeau’s apology be enough to sway the electorate to give him a second term? Undoubtedly, Trudeau is from a privileged background. In addition to being white and male his father Pierre was a four-term Prime Minister. Additionally, one of his grandfathers served as a government minister. Trudeau who oftentimes describes himself as a feminist won the endorsement of former United States President, Barack Obama. In a tweet Obama said, “the world needs his progressive leadership now, and I hope our neighbours to the North support him for another term.”Obama referred to Trudeau as an effective leader who tackled big issues like climate change. Will Obama’s endorsement makes a difference to the reelection bid of Trudeau? French speaking Quebec is especially important in the quest for political power in Canadian elections since the province accounts for 78 of the 338 seats in the House of Commons.
Canada has a population of 36.7 million. The country has an unemployment rate of 6.3% and a per capita rate of $48, 265. The 2019 Index of Economic Freedom ranks Canada’s economy as the eight freest with a score of 77.7 As the world’s second largest country by land area Canada is ranked tenth in the world regarding its economy. Canada is known for its multiculturalism, tolerance and liberal policies especially in the areas of human rights. The economy of Canada is relatively strong and the jobless rate is near at historic low. The country has been a safe haven especially for those who face prosecution surrounding their sexual orientation. Canada continues to be viewed as an appealing place where immigrants flock to for a second chance. Trudeau and his Liberal Party were swept in power in 2015. Trudeau at the time promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The extent to which he has made good on this promise is left to be seen. The campaigning is over and now it’s time for the electorate to speak. The international media will be kept busy as they try to keep the international community up-to-date regarding the outcome of the election. As one of the more stable democracies the outcome of the Canadian elections should not send ripple effects across the capitals of the world. Will Canada continue on the pathway of liberalism for another four years or will the electorate decide it’s time to return to conservatism?
In the powerful words of Michelle Obama, elections aren’t just about who votes but who doesn’t vote.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
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