Parliament resumed on January 31. They were talking about you, your family, and our future, and the chance that we will be given an election. While the current government claims it will not call nor provoke an election — as of the newest parliamentary session — we’ve probably all learned to interpret most political promises with jaded reluctance and a now-calloused tongue-in-cheek reaction. With the Liberals already indicating they will vote against the government’s budget upon its tabling in March, Harper will have to woo either the Bloc Quebecois or New Democrats to survive a confidence vote. Perhaps this is news to you — if the budget doesn’t pass, we will be heading to the ballot box. This is the time of year where parties will jostle positions and stances for inclusion on the budget and then vote on said elbow-rubbing. If an election was called today, the following is probably what we could expect each party to include in their respective campaigns. I’m no expert, but a little research and a desire to understand the “powers that be” has led me to the following (in no particular order):
We can expect the Conservatives to focus their energies on year two of their five-year economic action plan, which has been branded rather effectively (you know those signs?). This trickle-down model should create jobs, they say. They might not be good jobs, per se, but a job is a job. We can also expect significant defence expenditures on those American-made fighter planes, as well as a renewed commitment to a police-state: new prisons, revamped crime prevention, and renovating the backlogged justice system.
The Liberals will likely focus their rhetoric on ending corporate tax cuts — which they supported in the 2007 budget. In terms of the economy, Ignatieff likes to talk about creating jobs through investments in education and training. Free education? Don’t hold your breath. They’ve also been known to support long-term health care. I do love Medicare.
During the 2008 leaders debates, Gilles Duceppe accurately stated that no one really expects the Bloc Québecois to form a government. They really serve the purpose of representing Québec’s interests in Ottawa. To this end, they’ve effectively stated that they will accept a $ five-billion bribe, in order to support the government‘s upcoming budget. Go Nordiques.
The New Democrats, for their part, will heckle the corporate tax cuts, as well as focus on Senate reform. It won’t happen tomorrow, but small steps, working families, and good jobs — that’s the NDP.
Elizabeth May and the Greens are off the map, unfortunately, especially under the electoral system we currently employ. She did peep up on the subject of political morality with respect to the Conservative attack ads that ran in December. Release the hounds.
Amidst all of that, where do Canadians stand? Ipsos-Reid recently published that the top priority of Canadians was health-care. While polls can be dubiously-framed and interpreted, here is the point: take a minute to identify your priorities. Really, take a minute and think “Gee, what do I value and what is important to me?” How much do the issues of our parties matter to you? Where do you stand? Wait. Do you even stand at all? Even the possibility of an election should serve as a call to understand our role — as citizens, and not merely “taxpayers” — in the democratic process in Canada; not merely an “X” every whenever-the-prime-minister decides, but a consistent and engaged involvement.
Don’t be surprised if you feel out of touch with the political system. In fact, it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Elections Canada has recently endeavoured to understand what’s up with the low youth voter turnout. They said it just like that, I’m sure.
Don’t complain if you’re not contributing. Perhaps that was harsh. It can be daunting to get involved. There isn’t a handbook, though Local Motion: The Art of Civic Engagement in Toronto provides evidence that even the smallest steps create the largest change. Sign a petition; search for political information; attend a public meeting; boycott/choose a product for ethical reasons; contact a newspaper or politician; participate in a demonstration or march; or volunteer for a political party.
Get involved. For you. For your family. For our future.
