Canadian Federal Election

[NutMeg]

See you bitches on October 14! Lol, anyway I just wanted to start a discussion about the upcoming election. The American election threads are making me feel like I need to be patriotic.

I'm not going to put my opinion out there just yet because I don't want to skew the thread in one direction or another. Please let me/us know who you will be voting for, what you think the big issues are, platforms you like or dislike, etc. I don't want this to get too out of hand, but I do think that voter apathy in Canada is a huge problem so let's have a good discussion about how we want our country to be run.

 

[GreekChick]

I agree with you on the voter apathy: did you see the results of the survey concerning the elections? Over 70% of Canadians aren't following the elections and are mostly interested in the American one. In a way, it's completely understandable. The U.S has been planning this for years now however here, in Canada, it seems it all happened overnight.
That is one thing that ticked me off. I just don't get it. I literally woke up and all of a sudden Canada is having elections? And then the government wonders why we lack interest in our country's politics.

To be honest, I have no idea who I will be voting for yet. It's all happening too quickly. I am very excited that the Green Party will get to participate in the debate this time, though. Until now, that is the only thing I'm looking forward to. I find it unfortunate that all leaders are making impossible promises, or ones we know will never come to. In a way, that is one of the major reasons Canadians aren't "into" these elections as well. I think people are generally sick and tired of big words being thrown around and nothing being significantly done for our country.
I also feel as if our leaders are uninspiring. Long gone are the days of Bourassa, Lévesque, Trudeaux, etc...

 

[fafinette21]

Yes apathy is a problem and I myself suffer from it. For one, I don't particularly understand politics so it is hard to be involved in something I don't understand. I also am not really interested in it, so then it is hard to find the motivation to attempt to understand it. I don't remember ever learning anything about it in school and I think had I been given a better background on it, it might be something I would be capable of having a discussion about. For me, the election did come out of nowhere and it is hard to pick a leader because you never know what is behind the curtain. It seems like it is pointless because you know they aren't going to do what they say they will. I'd just like to have someone running our country who doesn't have the eyes of the devil.

 

[NutMeg]

@ GreekChick - I was just talking to my bf about this about half an hour ago. I really think we need a charismatic and vibrant leader to breathe some life back into the politics of this country. Its not so hard to understand the apathy when you consider that our 'options' are pretty much the same. Corrupt and central.

And its so true. I like that our elections are flexible because if something goes wrong we can always have a vote of non-confidence and have an election... Except for when you get that situation like we have right now. Everyone kind of wandering around going, "We're having an election? Really? Huh. That's nice."

I just hate it when people say they don't want to bother voting because it doesn't make a difference. Maybe not much of one, but even if your one vote doesn't swing the balance over to your party, as long as a party gets 2% of the vote they receive $8 of funding for every vote they get. So if you vote for a smaller party you can try to inject some competition into the farce that is our current multi-party system. Bottom line, don't bitch if you aren't going to do something about it.

@ fafinette - I understand where you're coming from, but at the same time that attitude really bugs me. I can appreciate that your schooling perhaps didn't prepare you for a background in politics, because I was very fortunate that my high school really pushed knowledge of politics and voting. In fact when I was in Grade 10 they hosted a mock debate where the reps for our area came to the school and we questioned them. Then we held a mock vote to see who would win. It was a huge way to bring awareness of my responsibility to vote into my mind. But I think it is everyone's responsibility to vote and to at least attempt to be aware of the political environment in our country. If you think that the Liberals/Conservatives won't keep their promises or whatever, send a message to them by voting for a small party that fits your beliefs better. There are so many more options in this country than the Big Two, even if they don't get a lot of votes.

P.S. It's probably obvious by now that I'm not going to be voting for the Liberals or the Conservatives.

 

[GreekChick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NutMeg @ GreekChick - I was just talking to my bf about this about half an hour ago. I really think we need a charismatic and vibrant leader to breathe some life back into the politics of this country. Its not so hard to understand the apathy when you consider that our 'options' are pretty much the same. Corrupt and central. And its so true. I like that our elections are flexible because if something goes wrong we can always have a vote of non-confidence and have an election... Except for when you get that situation like we have right now. Everyone kind of wandering around going, "We're having an election? Really? Huh. That's nice." I just hate it when people say they don't want to bother voting because it doesn't make a difference. Maybe not much of one, but even if your one vote doesn't swing the balance over to your party, as long as a party gets 2% of the vote they receive $8 of funding for every vote they get. So if you vote for a smaller party you can try to inject some competition into the farce that is our current multi-party system. Bottom line, don't bitch if you aren't going to do something about it.

I completely agree!

 

[snowflakelashes]

I'm sick of elections and disenchanted with politics. I can tell you taht much, its enough to make me go to sleep. I feel like we just went through this , I feel like its going to be the same results and the same minority government and I feel like nothing is ever going to change, then again I am generally apathetic and depressed about my life right now so that might be transfering onto my feelings about politics too lol

I WILL vote, but I'm not at all excited about this election in the least...

 

[snowflakelashes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NutMeg @ GreekChick - I was just talking to my bf about this about half an hour ago. I really think we need a charismatic and vibrant leader to breathe some life back into the politics of this country. Its not so hard to understand the apathy when you consider that our 'options' are pretty much the same. Corrupt and central. And its so true. I like that our elections are flexible because if something goes wrong we can always have a vote of non-confidence and have an election... Except for when you get that situation like we have right now. Everyone kind of wandering around going, "We're having an election? Really? Huh. That's nice." I just hate it when people say they don't want to bother voting because it doesn't make a difference. Maybe not much of one, but even if your one vote doesn't swing the balance over to your party, as long as a party gets 2% of the vote they receive $8 of funding for every vote they get. So if you vote for a smaller party you can try to inject some competition into the farce that is our current multi-party system. Bottom line, don't bitch if you aren't going to do something about it. @ fafinette - I understand where you're coming from, but at the same time that attitude really bugs me. I can appreciate that your schooling perhaps didn't prepare you for a background in politics, because I was very fortunate that my high school really pushed knowledge of politics and voting. In fact when I was in Grade 10 they hosted a mock debate where the reps for our area came to the school and we questioned them. Then we held a mock vote to see who would win. It was a huge way to bring awareness of my responsibility to vote into my mind. But I think it is everyone's responsibility to vote and to at least attempt to be aware of the political environment in our country. If you think that the Liberals/Conservatives won't keep their promises or whatever, send a message to them by voting for a small party that fits your beliefs better. There are so many more options in this country than the Big Two, even if they don't get a lot of votes. P.S. It's probably obvious by now that I'm not going to be voting for the Liberals or the Conservatives.

About Charisma, Charisma is a must, I know it should be all about the ideas, but seriously we need someone to breath life into our hearts and wake us up and inspire us. I feel like we so desperately need a 'Rockstar' politician if that makes any sense someone who will wow us ... Where is the MOJO folks, where is the Mojo ...

 

[NutMeg]

I kind of think a minority government is a good thing. I like the idea that whoever we elect can't do whatever they want until we elect someone else.

In fact, some countries have electoral systems designed to put more minority governments in power, ie representation by percentage of vote, rather than by ridings as we have it. For example Sweden. For example, the Green Party got a percentage of the vote for the last election that was equivalent to more than one seat in Parliament, but didn't get a seat. This is because all of those who voted for the Green Party were spread out throughout so many ridings that there wasn't a majority in any riding. So basically our system allows the bigger parties to have a higher percentage of seats than they do the vote, and screws the smaller parties. And the reasoning behind the riding system is so that everyone has a member of parliament who will represent their interests. Sounds great, except when you consider that it's very rare for a MP to do anything but vote with their party. Just something to think about.

ETA: Ok, to clarify the rep by percentage thing. In the 2006 election;
Conservatives: 36% of the vote, 40% of the seats
Liberals: 30% of vote, 34% of the seats
Bloc Quebecois: 10.5% vote vs 17% seats
NDP: 17.5% vote vs 9.4% seats
Green: 4.5% vote vs 0% seats
Other: 1% vote vs 0.3% seats

So as you can see, the smaller parties generally get screwed while the bigger ones benefit.

@ snowflakelashes - I feel you, Canadian politics can be pretty boring, and its hard to feel anything other than dismal about the prospect of anything changing. But kudos to you for voting anyway.

 

[NutMeg]

Oh, and just to let you guys know the French Debate is going to be on Oct 1, while the English Debate will be on Oct. 2. Please check it out, there will be five leaders in the debate, Steven Harper of the Conservatives, Stephane Dion of the Liberals, Jack Layton of the NDP, Gilles Duceppe of the Bloc Quebecois, and Elizabeth May of the Green Party.

 

[Penn]

I know that I am horrible because in high school they did teach us about our political system but I can't seem to remember any of it. I'm glad that you brought this up though, you've motivated me to reeducate myself

 

[gigglegirl]

I've been discussing this ridiculously called election. I am nearly 24 (will be actually on election day) and have gone to the polls numerous times. I think that with the government being able to call elections willy-nillly we then get distracted by another election where they make more promises but quite often don't deliver.

I think that they def. need to institute a scheduled election, I for one, am sick of going to the polls.

My opinions about the candidates?

-Stephen Harper. Scares me. I do not agree with a lot of the conservative agenda. but I have a feeling he will win. Why? see below
-Stephane Dion. Not confident enough. Needs to be more forceful, strong as a public figure. Whenever I see him interviewed, I get a timid type vibe.
-Jack Layton. Not sure about him, but I think the race for the prime minister's seat is of course down to Liberals vs Conservatives since many believe the NDP won't be leading the country soon. Plus with the way the Liberal leader seems so.....quiet almost? I think its a slam dunk for Harper. As much as it pains me to say.

But I still say get out there and vote, b/c there's that old adage--you can't complain if you didn't try to have your say

 

[Shadowy Lady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gigglegirl My opinions about the candidates? -Stephen Harper. Scares me. I do not agree with a lot of the conservative agenda. but I have a feeling he will win. Why? see below -Stephane Dion. Not confident enough. Needs to be more forceful, strong as a public figure. Whenever I see him interviewed, I get a timid type vibe.

I so agree with you. I'm also so tired of voting, but then again I will be there on Oct 14. I will definietly not vote for the Conservatives, I think Harper has his own agenda and didn't want to be blamed for the problems with the economy. On the other hand, like gigglegirl says, Stephane Dion is not a very confident leader, I don't see him making it.

I usually vote for the liberals but this time around, I may go for either NDP or Green Party. Need to do some more research, Oct 14 is approaching fast!

 

[NutMeg]

Just to put it out there, who else thinks its weird that the PM is never directly elected by the people? Especially because the system is set up to give him an incredible amount of power.

 

[revinn]

This is the first year that I will be old enough to vote, and I am so excited! I've been wanting to vote for as long as I can remember. While I find politics interesting, I've never had much education about how voting works, so I need to do some research before October. Voter apathy is a HUGE issue in my age group; almost all of my friends have no desire to vote, partially because they just don't feel well-informed about the candidates. That's where the US has us beat; the amount of advertising they do is enormous compared to the Canadian government. Anyway, I'll be voting NDP for my municipal election. Everyone in our community loves that party leader, and he wins by a landslide every time. He truly has our best interest at heart. As for the federal election, well, I'm going to have to do some serious thinking.

 

[NutMeg]

If you don't know where to start, I suggest looking up your riding and finding out what candidates are running there. Then see if they have personal websites and go check them out. Its a great way to get your feet wet and kind of check out your options.

 

[Simply Elegant]

With what I've read and know, definitely will not be voting for the Conservatives. Possibly for NDP. None of them seem to jump out at me as someone who makes a reasonable, doable platform.

Even though Stephane Dion is not as powerful a speaker, he still seems to be better able to answer questions and seems more trustworthy. Steven Harper sort of seems to mumble through everything.

 

[gigglegirl]

Yes Nutmeg good freaking point. I'd rather vote for the leader of the country as well as the representative from my constituency. B/c tbh I want ppl that are from two different parties.

Why couldn't we do that? Seriously. I don't think its a bad thing to take some ideas from our southern neighbors. Set election dates. Vote for the actual leader as well as the rep.

 

[NutMeg]

You know the more I think about it, the more I think that electoral reform is way more important to me than most of the other issues being debated. Which sucks because its so entrenched that chances of reform are pretty minimal.

 

[Pushpa]

omg our election is going to be a sad one...my poli sci prof brought up the idea of canadians registering to vote and what the class thought voter turnout would be if we had to register oirselves....we all laughed

i know who i'm voting for but its a pretty sad lot to choose from...no one has a plan no one seems to have a clue

see u all at the polls

 

[Willa]

I'm surely going to vote, but don't know who
Harper scares the hell out of me, he's like a ''mini Bush''...
Dion isn't confident enought...
I don't know, I just feel like after the debate I'll either vote for the Green party or for the NPD.

Forget the Bloc for me, they make us (Quebecors) look like old pathetics who still believe in ''separation''. Come on... welcome to 2008