For the first time in 20 years of voting, I find myself without clear direction on who I am voting for in our upcoming federal election. Of the leading parties running, I have little confidence in any of them being able to lead our country efficiently or to be fiscally responsible. Any of the remaining parties seem so inexperienced in government, that I have even less confidence in their ability.
So how does one decide? It’s irresponsible, as a voting member of a diplomatic society to abstain from the vote, but how do you even narrow your options down?
Regardless, we must vote. I believe it is not only our right, but it is our responsibility to do so.
Some will make their choices, based on their current circumstances, some on religious beliefs, others on foreign policy. When it comes down to it, we as a country will choose our next leaders, and will have to live with the consequences of that decision.
This site has a list of links to each of the main parties and what their platforms are. Educate yourself, and select a candidate that aligns to your views as best as you can: http://www.election.cna-aiic.ca/en/party-platforms
It is the responsibility of each individual citizen of this country to make the best of it. Often we select a leader and choose to blame everything that’s wrong with our country on them. Although, there is some truth to that, as they do in fact make the decisions on how our tax dollars are spent, we are ultimately the ones responsible with how our country does.
We are the ones that need to choose to support our country. To support one another. It’s very easy for many of us to pay our taxes and let the government look after funding social development programs with our money. Yes, these programs are good, and help families to survive through tough times, but what are we doing individually to help those on the fringes of society.
Can you imagine what kind of a country we would have, if we choose to mentor those on social assistance? Emotionally support those suffering from mental health issues? Volunteer at our schools and support our under funded educational system? Care for the elderly in their own homes?
John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. To many that has become an outdated, antiquated sentiment. We have become a selfish society. Concerned about ourselves, and leaving the less fortunate to be cared for by elected officials. I think it’s time for us to all take a stand and say that despite what the government is doing, I will do my part to make my country a better place. That goes far beyond filling out a ballot at election time.
As we head to the polls this fall, can we all make a collective decision to do more after we leave the polling station? Each and every politician that’s elected will inevitably break the promises they have made to us throughout this campaign. That does not mean that our country cannot be a better place anyway.
Love for Canada, is a sentiment that I’m sure I share with the overwhelming majority of Canadians, so let’s start to show it.
Make sure you’re registered to vote: http://www.elections.ca/home.aspx
Get out on October 19th to vote, and then do something to make your country a better place.
Get out on October 19th to vote, and then do something to make your country a better place.
Jason Gallant 