Whenever I see or hear an election ad these days I’m reminded of that famous line from a Robert DeNiro movie, “Are you talking to me?”
I am an Ontario voter so they must be talking to me but I’m not sure they have anything interesting to say. Dirty politics, wedge issues and attack ads are turning me off. Like many other prospective voters I have become desensitized and disinterested.
Well, my fellow Ontarians, they will be talking to all of us for a couple of more weeks because on Oct. 6 we go to the polls to elect another government for the third time in a year. Here in Canada we have more democracy than we know what to do with.
Counting the municipal election last fall and that federal fling in the spring, we have been in the election mode for almost a year. That’s the thing about democracy – you have to keep doing it until you get it right.
Thankfully, once this provincial election is over and done with the weary electorate will finally have a break. If everything works out according to plan we won’t be called on again to participate until 2014.
Canadian voters are still brokenhearted from the death of Jack Layton and it’s hard to generate enthusiasm for a political campaign of any stripe right now. Canadians in this province and all across the country are not in the mood for a bitter fight.
Even though that sad event shouldn’t affect the results of the Ontario election, we can still hope the behaviour and tone of the candidates will be civil and dignified, out of respect and tribute to a great Canadian.
Hope is better than despair but according to the media the mudslinging has already begun and the parties are preparing for an “extra dirty campaign.” I don’t know if I’m up to it this time around. I’m more in the mood for something inspirational.
As usual, here in Thunder Bay we have a full slate of dedicated and talented candidates to choose from including two strong, experienced incumbents. Early polls show the Liberals gaining the lead so voters now have some things to consider.
Having Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry as an MPP in Thunder Bay-Superior North is a good thing. He is now an experienced and respected cabinet member. If you ever want your highway twinned, who you gonna call?
Having said that, there is only one thing better than having a cabinet minister representing our fair city. Why not have two? Please Mr. McGuinty, may we have another?
Bill Mauro is the other incumbent and he offers the knowledge and experience gained from two terms in Queen’s Park. These two well-known gentlemen have a lot to offer and will be tough to beat. Even so, after the last election the NDP considers both seats vulnerable.
There are many local issues to discuss and many local opinions to consider. The future of this region looks very promising locally, provincially, nationally and globally. May the best candidates win.
Democracy works best when everybody participates but lately there is a sense of futility about the political process and Canadian voters are staying away from the polls. In the last provincial election there was a 52 per cent turnout.
Politically, many Canadians seem to be opportunists. They don’t concern themselves at all with elections and simply make the necessary adjustments depending on who gets elected. Once the new rules are made clear these citizens simply make the best of what’s around.
Some governments require belt tightening and others like to spread the wealth around but overall there is plenty of balance and compromise built into the system.
Regardless of how things work out, in the long run Canada always does well.
It’s hard to argue with that “What…me worry?” logic. Generations of living the good life have left Canadians complacent and apathetic about elections. But are we really a good example of democracy when so many of our citizens opt out on election day?
In other parts of the world families are fighting and dying for a small taste of the life we take for granted.
Their dream is to one day become as free as Canadian citizens and to actively participate in their own democracy.
By taking an active role in our own political process we could demonstrate clearly that Canadian-style democracy is well worth the struggle.
I am an Ontario voter so they must be talking to me but I’m not sure they have anything interesting to say. Dirty politics, wedge issues and attack ads are turning me off. Like many other prospective voters I have become desensitized and disinterested.
Well, my fellow Ontarians, they will be talking to all of us for a couple of more weeks because on Oct. 6 we go to the polls to elect another government for the third time in a year. Here in Canada we have more democracy than we know what to do with.
Counting the municipal election last fall and that federal fling in the spring, we have been in the election mode for almost a year. That’s the thing about democracy – you have to keep doing it until you get it right.
Thankfully, once this provincial election is over and done with the weary electorate will finally have a break. If everything works out according to plan we won’t be called on again to participate until 2014.
Canadian voters are still brokenhearted from the death of Jack Layton and it’s hard to generate enthusiasm for a political campaign of any stripe right now. Canadians in this province and all across the country are not in the mood for a bitter fight.
Even though that sad event shouldn’t affect the results of the Ontario election, we can still hope the behaviour and tone of the candidates will be civil and dignified, out of respect and tribute to a great Canadian.
Hope is better than despair but according to the media the mudslinging has already begun and the parties are preparing for an “extra dirty campaign.” I don’t know if I’m up to it this time around. I’m more in the mood for something inspirational.
As usual, here in Thunder Bay we have a full slate of dedicated and talented candidates to choose from including two strong, experienced incumbents. Early polls show the Liberals gaining the lead so voters now have some things to consider.
Having Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry as an MPP in Thunder Bay-Superior North is a good thing. He is now an experienced and respected cabinet member. If you ever want your highway twinned, who you gonna call?
Having said that, there is only one thing better than having a cabinet minister representing our fair city. Why not have two? Please Mr. McGuinty, may we have another?
Bill Mauro is the other incumbent and he offers the knowledge and experience gained from two terms in Queen’s Park. These two well-known gentlemen have a lot to offer and will be tough to beat. Even so, after the last election the NDP considers both seats vulnerable.
There are many local issues to discuss and many local opinions to consider. The future of this region looks very promising locally, provincially, nationally and globally. May the best candidates win.
Democracy works best when everybody participates but lately there is a sense of futility about the political process and Canadian voters are staying away from the polls. In the last provincial election there was a 52 per cent turnout.
Politically, many Canadians seem to be opportunists. They don’t concern themselves at all with elections and simply make the necessary adjustments depending on who gets elected. Once the new rules are made clear these citizens simply make the best of what’s around.
Some governments require belt tightening and others like to spread the wealth around but overall there is plenty of balance and compromise built into the system.
Regardless of how things work out, in the long run Canada always does well.
It’s hard to argue with that “What…me worry?” logic. Generations of living the good life have left Canadians complacent and apathetic about elections. But are we really a good example of democracy when so many of our citizens opt out on election day?
In other parts of the world families are fighting and dying for a small taste of the life we take for granted.
Their dream is to one day become as free as Canadian citizens and to actively participate in their own democracy.
By taking an active role in our own political process we could demonstrate clearly that Canadian-style democracy is well worth the struggle.
