Letters - Week Five
June 27, 2004
Ken Westmoreland
Having been in New Zealand at the time of their first election under proportional
representation, I am disappointed that some in Canada are advocating the
same system, which would see MPs chosen, not by voters in ridings, but
from closed party lists. This is an insult to the intelligence of voters.
The place for elections by proportional representation is in the Senate,
not the House of Commons.
Wayne MacIntyre
Perhaps political leaders, when making promises, should put up collateral
to back up their promises. For example: "If I don't balance the budget
within two years, I will offer my house to charity." It's easy to promise
the sky when you have nothing to lose for four years!
Robert Deakon
Who should I vote for? A doctor's view on health care:
I've had an increasing number of patients ask me recently whom they should
vote for in the upcoming federal election. I guess it's a reflection of
the public's lack of trust in politicians that they turn to their doctors
for an answer to this question. As a busy orthopedic surgeon with a one-year
waiting list, I felt it was time for physicians to break with their usual
tradition of impartiality and silence.
Vote Liberal if you want more of the same. Long waiting lists, limited
access to new technology and a further decline in Canada as a leader in
health care. The Liberals propose $9 billion in new funding over five
years. They already allow private MRI and CT clinics in Quebec but this
seems to have received little attention during this election.
The Conservatives plan to increase spending by $10 billion to $15 billion
over five years. They would monitor performance indicators on quality
and sustainability, as well as those pertaining to access to health care.
The NDP have the most ambitious plan, dedicating $29 billion more to
the health-care budget over five years. They focus more on the community
delivery of health care than hospital based services.
Who is telling the truth and whose plan is economically viable, that's
a decision the voters will have to make.
Carolynne
It would be wise for our politicians to pay attention to the decision
of the people. If we decide a minority government, then it means we feel
that no party has the confidence of the people and we want to see them
work together for the benefit of Canadians. If they fail to do this, then
Canadians should keep voting minority until the leaders get the message.
Paul Turnbull
Perhaps it's time to use some reverse psychology in voting. Since the
winner of the inevitable minority government will be ousted in six months
anyway, then maybe we should all vote for the leader we like least, to
ensure our real choice a majority government by Christmas. Or maybe that's
why the Conservatives are trying to throw this contest?
As for the minority government, I find it deplorable that the Bloc party
will virtually rule the House of Commons, even though they couldn't care
less about the other 25 million Canadians!
One other point about all the polls and eventual election results: Nobody
seems to point out that the numbers indicate a totally divided Canada
(between central, left and right); it's not about the politicians at all,
it's about the people, and no matter who wins, half the country still
loses!
Cheryl Adams
Here it is one day before the election and I still haven't got a clue
who I am going to vote for, indeed if I am going to vote at all. Personally,
they all scare me. It's like trying to decide what disease you'd like
to have the best. Impossible.
R. Fewer
What a shame that the panel chosen for the election wrap-up was so unbalanced!
An ex-NDP premier, a Liberal senator, and a supporter of Joe Clark, who
is now backing the Liberals.
Bob Rae showed the most insight saying that the Liberals and Conservatives
just may co-operate in a minority situation. If these two parties expect
us to regard them as mature entities they'll do just that.
If the polls are right, whichever party forms a minority or majority
government, good for Canadians for making sure we have a real choice this
time.
June 26, 2004
Sam Blue
A coalition may just be the best thing that could happen to Canada right
now. In many European countries coalition governments are commonplace,
and in many ways offer a much more authentic kind of democracy, where
a diverse range of interests are represented, rather than the interests
of a single, monolithic party. Perhaps we have finally reached the end
of the Liberal/Conservative dynasties.
Mr. Sanjay Iyer
As an American citizen and friend and neighbour down south, I have one
question I would like to ask. How will these elections affect Canada-U.S.
relations? I know that this is also election year in the U.S. and the
elections in November might have an impact on Canada-U.S. relations also.
Kelly Hope Taylor
I am frightened for the outcome on Monday, being that up until this past
week none of the parties addressed their stance on funding for the arts,
their take on the tax status for independent artists or the issues surrounding
the CRTC.
Yes indeed, we are in a state of apathy as voters, as young voters especially.
My views and my concerns are not being tabled. How can I, as a young Canadian,
feel confident in any of the parties, when it seems evident to me that
my voice is not a priority? The parties have their ideas as to who puts
them into power: those who feed the machine, corporate, middle to high
class.
I personally feel my back is against a wall and I have no choice but
to vote for the "lesser of two evils" given the way the polls are looking.
Do I want to live in a country that doesn't support Canadian culture and
the arts, risking we turn into a replica U.S.? Or do I want to be in a
country that may not go through drastic changes, but at least we can rebuild
from the mediocre state we are presently in? I wish I could make change
for the better, the way it should be, but unfortunately, it's just not
how this beast works!
Valini Rangasamy
I have heard views from all the parties and I think that Canadians should
base their votes on the party that most reflects Canada's values and people.
Canada is about tolerance of all cultures and races; Canada is about acceptance
of gays and lesbians; Canada is about helping other poor nations; Canada
is about supporting the rights of women; we are a peaceful nation and
we won't go to war with other countries. These are the fundamental values
of Canada and should we allow someone to rip these values from us, it
would be a disastrous loss.
Brenda Sands
Why is the CBC advertising where Ralph Nader thinks we should place our
vote (or who we should NOT vote for)? Canadians can and should make up
their own minds. Ralph Nader and others can butt out. At least the CBC
doesn't have to give them a platform during OUR elections.
Garnett Huff
I appreciated your coverage of the election campaign. The debates, platforms
and other news items were excellent; however, the thing that brought them
all together and enabled me to make my decision was the series on the
lives of the candidates for prime minister. When I saw this, the remainder
of the information and spin became crystal clear and my choice obvious.
Thank you for this service.
Perry Howse
The Liberals keep replying that Steven Harper would have sent troops into
Iraq. I would like to ask the Liberals who sent the troops Afghanistan.
June 25, 2004
Sigmund Bering Sort
The insurance industry is STILL quietly laughing all the way to the bank!
Canadians must not be upset after all ... or are insurance companies quietly
making deals with the political parties?
Bonnie Bacvar
It has been a long campaign, or so it seems. Somehow this campaign has
produced the most coverage for an election to date. It is overwhelming
to search the web and find so many columnists commenting on the leaders
and candidates and their policies.
There may not be a clear outcome on Monday, but I believe that democracy
will be the clear winner!
Brent Baragar
I find it utterly appalling the current political system in Canada would
allow a minority government with fewer seats to retain power in what we
call "a democratic country." Shame on the politicians and shame on the
media for even discussing this kind of an issue. The Canadian government
has spent $11 million telling Canadians to vote. If this is how our Canadian
political voting system works, I certainly can understand voter apathy.
Gary Whitson
I have been voting for 32 years, never failing to make it a priority.
I am disturbed by the negative campaigning of all the parties this time.
It is not the good things they will do for our country, but all the bad
things the other parties will do. Now we have American celebrities telling
us who not to vote for. Why is this election so negative? We have a country
with unlimited potential ... the parties should be telling how they will
be making it even better. name: Gary Whitson
Nan
I am disgusted at the CBC: Your biographies on both Stephen Harper and
Paul Martin (shown on The National on Wednesday, June 24th) were COMPLETETLY
one-sided. You made Steven Harper look like a disloyal devil, while Paul
Martin was shown as a perfect saint. Is it fair for a national television
network to be biased? NO, Canada has a DEMOCRATIC government; if you at
the CBC don't know what that is, it is a government in which the CITIZENS
of that country vote on who is prime minister. Give Canadians impartial
and fair information, not one-sided….
Christy Mackintosh
I don't understand why so many voters choose to vote AGAINST a party instead
of voting FOR the party whose values and vision for Canada they most respect.
The media keep telling me Canadians want change, but it seems to me
Canadians are inclined to vote for the lesser of two evils (Liberal versus
Conservative), preferring the devil they know to the devil(s) they don't
(NDP and Green).
As a nation, this is our time to dream. It takes courage to set one's
cynicism aside and vote accordingly.
David Wait
Nobody has addressed the gas and energy issues...Why?
Melanie McBride
I liked your small item on political euphemisms yesterday. The segment
couldn't be better timed after Harper's one-on-one with Mansbridge. Shall
I compare thee to privatized health care? Let me count the ways: Alternative
delivery system or alternative funding mechanism? Thou art more lovely
and more temperate than dying from a cancer I cannot afford to treat.
Elvey Martin
How dare Nader and Moore make comments about Canadian affairs? The media,
instead of promoting this socialist propaganda, should be condemning this
blatant attempt to interfere in Canadian affairs. The candidates should
also be complaining and telling these two propagandists to go home and
shut up.
June 24, 2004
Alex Montgomery
Wow! This is a stumper! I thought my mind was made up, but this last week
has really got me thinking. I feel this time like my vote matters!
Jana Langhammer
Regarding privatization of health care: We ALREADY have a two-tier system.
We pay privately for doctors, dentists, eye doctors, acupuncture, physiotherapy,
chiropractics, massage and more. Why do all the parties recognize only
ONE form of medical treatment: drugs and/or surgery? Why do no governments
- federal or provincial - support preventative, natural treatment like
physiotherapy and chiropractics that help the body heal itself? Drugs
merely mask the symptoms, and in doing so cause side effects which need
more drugs. Cheaper health care is available, but the government has seen
to it that only the rich can afford it.
Donna Stewart
I watched a long interview/town hall with Paul Martin from Winnipeg, and
was impressed with how much more helpful this was than the caterwauling
that was allowed on the "debate." I hope you are treating all the candidates
similarly.
HOWEVER, housing is an issue for one in five Canadians, according to
the TD Bank's economic study on affordable housing. It OUGHT to be an
election issue, but doesn't seem to be, probably because neither the Liberals
nor the Conservatives want it to be. Isn't it your job to MAKE it an election
issue, when it matters to so many people and federal policy is a major
key to any solution?
Mark Shaddock
I was very disappointed with the segment tonight with the prime minister.
The questions were very poor, with few having a real significant point
to them. Too many questions overlapped one another, and questioners were
allowed to carry on a political statement. Mr. Mansbridge allowed this
to happen … did not allow the evening to bring out many of the important
questions that we as viewers would like to have seen, especially when
you had the questions ahead of time. Next time you do one of these segments,
please have the questioners ask the question and NOT give us too much
of their personal feelings, which often took away from the question asked.
Gary Goodspeed
I find it interesting that Michael Moore's comments are given much attention
(and validity, it seems) by the media, when many Canadians supposedly
found it distasteful when Stephen Harper wrote an article in an American
newspaper last year in regards to the war in Iraq. I guess the anti-right
forces in Canada like it both ways. Typical.
David Hinkley
There are two very basic major differences between Michael Moore and Heston/Buchanan
et al ...they, unlike Moore, are never objective (even if some like to
label that as "left"), and two, [Moore] admires our SHARED values (right,
left, center and otherwise). He's even made it clear that if their country
continues to slide, he will even consider becoming Canadian outright.
Who we admire and will tolerate comments from is any person who admires
facts, objectivity and fundamental human values. Period. Good for us and
the honourable Mr. Moore!
Natalie Charest
This is the first federal election in which I'm eligible to vote. (I already
have, in the advance polls, for all of you complaining us young people
don't vote.) I've followed the election coverage and there is one thing
that has been nagging me about the health-care issue that, in all the
coverage, hasn't been adequately explained, in my opinion.
My problem is with the people who agree that some privatization is OK,
as long as it's publicly funded. I read in the paper this morning that
some two-thirds of Canadians supposedly support some privatization of
health care services, as long as it's publicly funded. I just don't understand
why they would support this measure and no one is explaining to me why
they would.
All the studies I have ever heard about have indicated that health services
offered by private institutions cost more than the same services offered
by public institutions. Furthermore, we would still have the same number
of health-care professionals; privatization would only affect where they
might work and how they [would be] paid. Privatization won't create more
doctors, nurses or technicians. It will merely redistribute the services
we currently have to a slightly different group of people at a higher
price. I don't see how it would shorten waiting lists, either, since it's
not creating more health care professionals.
I would like to point out that privatization costing more makes intuitive
sense, as well. One doesn't "shop around" for a doctor if one is sick.
It's not like buying a cell phone, where competition can work in your
favour to drive down prices. Competition cannot have an effect on health
services that are critical for one's well being. So, privately offered
services will undoubtedly cost more. Why do so many people seem to want
our government to pay more for the services we receive? Why do they think
we would be better off if more was paid for the same services?
Jana Langhammer
It makes it more confusing to select a political party when you see Liberals
supporting the Conservatives and persons like Joe Clark (a former Conservative
supporting the Liberals). In my quandary of selecting a party to vote
for it's made me wonder why Sheila Copps and Joe Clark haven't joined
together to create a fine seasoned blend of both political parties. Can
you imagine the possibilities? Sheila with her verve and Joe with his
practical appearance. Could it work?
June 23, 2004
Neil Armstrong
Is it just me, or do the final couple of weeks of campaigning [come across]
as a bunch of mind games between the political leaders? How many times
have we heard any one leader warn us that "A vote for this party is a
vote for a sovereign Quebec," or, "If this party wins, you can say goodbye
to healthcare," or my personal favourite, "A vote for this party is really
a vote for that party." When last I checked, the Liberals, Conservatives,
NDP and the BQ are all very different parties.
Except obviously for the debates, the only thing each party should be
concerned with is what their own platform is, not how their plans for
the country are better than those of the alternative parties. Obviously
each party thinks that their plans are the best for the country, and this
is the beauty of a democracy - we get to decide who we think really does
have the best plan.
I hope on June 28th that Canadians won't be swayed by these childish
warnings; things that the leaders want us to believe as they try to shore
up every last vote possible. There should be no such consequences to think
about when it comes voting time. We should be voting for who we believe
in - who we actually want to govern the country, not Party C because we
don't want Party A in charge.
The following message for the leaders should not be anything new to them,
though you might be inclined to think that it is a news flash, given some
of the comments we've heard such as those that I have mentioned above.
Saying, "Vote for us, or else this will happen" is just plain stupid.
If a party really wants your vote, they should be out there earning it
by stressing that they do, in fact, have the best plan. They already had
their four hours in the national spotlight to bicker at each other. They
should now be focusing on their country and not on their political rivals.
After all, it is the entire country that decides their fate, not their
rivals.
Omer Lifshitz
I'm confused as to why The Romanow Report has not come up once in these
elections. Whatever happened to what Canadians said they wanted?
These issues should be discussed and debated, rather than politicizing
the news of the day and the over-analysis of (and emphasis on) polling
figures.
Phyllis Kiriaka
I think Stephen Harper did well last night during the televised interview,
considering he was in Ontario and facing people who are either antagonistic
towards the Conservatives, or have no idea who they are. My question would
be why Paul Martin should not be subjected to the same type of crowd?
Make him do his interview in a city like Calgary, where the people of
the West would get a chance to personally question him on the decisions
he makes, and if/how they are for the good for all of Canada - including
the West.
Rob McAlpine
There always seems to be a demographic that every leader forgets and that
is Generation X. And they wonder why we have the worst voter turnout.
Prior generations pushed us to go to university/college because there
would be plenty of jobs for us when we get out. I went to university just
like they said; however, the jobs they promised are non-existent.
I think that the new government should start giving companies more incentive
to hire new graduates (i.e. wage subsidy). If the government proposed
a reasonable wage subsidy then more skilled Canadians would stay in Canada,
pay more taxes (due to increase in wage), and maybe even pay off their
student loans.
The student loan issue is of great importance to the government. If we
decide to default or keep re-applying for interest relief on our loans,
then the Canadian taxpayers and the new graduate have wasted their time
and money.
Another interesting point: If companies keep hiring "seasoned veterans"
rather than training new workers, then there will not be anyone to replace
the baby boomers when they retire.
Brian Cormier
What's the big fuss about the high voter turnout in the advance polls?…The
high numbers are quite simply a reflection on the lateness of the vote.
June 28th is basically the first or second full week of summer vacation
for Canadians, depending on when school gets out in their areas. Responsible
people who knew they would be away on vacation made sure they voted in
the advance polls. That's all. Higher number? Of course. That should have
been expected for a vote being held during the summer vacation period
and during a four-day work week around Canada Day.
Lonnie Hansen, Cranbrook, B.C.
Our current electoral system - which has commonly and derogatorily become
called the "first past the post" system by pundits, media and detractors
- offers one strength that we should be careful about throwing out. In
a federation as large and diverse as Canada, having local representation
gives those of us who do not live in one of the few major urban centres
a sense of inclusion.
I am afraid proportional representation would leave the majority of Canada's
communities without representation. Candidate selection would also be
a concern. Do we admire our political parties enough to entrust them with
this job?
Serious consideration should be given to preferential balloting. This
would ensure local representation and elect the candidate preferred by
over 50 per cent of the electorate. It would eliminate strategic voting
and the fear of vote splitting. It would encourage a diversity of opinion
in public debate without destabilizing our current system with successive
minority governments.
I fear proportional representation would bring the same difficulties
we have in forming constitutional consensus into the heart of Parliament.
Gail Matheson
You would be surprised how difficult it can be to sign up to vote. I recently
moved from one part of the city to another, and contacted Elections Canada
because I did not receive my voter card. The 1-800 number connected me
with a Winnipeg number. The woman there told me to come by their office
to register, and gave me the hours. They could not work from my previous
registration, since I was now in a different district.
I went down today, only to find out that I had to be there by 6 p.m.
(I came at 7 p.m.) because it was the last day to register at Elections
Canada. When I indicated to the staff that for a country that is struggling
to get voter interest, they sure did not make it easy, I was told I should
have called to find out the hours!
In the end, I will go to my polling station and hopefully be able to
vote in the election. If they were a business, that level of customer
service would not be tolerated. I suppose I should not be surprised, since
service is not currently part of anybody's platform, is it?
June 22, 2004
Catherine DeCarlo
Bravo to Andrea Kirkwood (who wrote a letter on June 21, 2004, regarding
U.S. health coverage). I have many friends and acquaintances that live
in the U.S. and their comments are identical. Even when I mention that
they pay fewer taxes, the unanimous answer is always: "But you have health
care." I know that even though there are bumps in the system, it is an
exceptional system and one should only try and live without it to appreciate
it. To blame the current government for any health problems they might
be encountering is unfair and certainly unfounded. We are spoiled and
I hope it never changes.
Ian McDougall
In reference to Michael Moore's comments about our election: For all the
effort that is made to dissuade the argument that the media does not have
a left-leaning bias, the pious acceptance of his biased comments on our
election is a setback. Had Charlton Heston or Pat Buchanan come to Canada
and implored Canadian voters not to vote Liberal or NDP, hence endorsing
Stephen Harper, the outcry would have been immediate and passionate. They
would have been told to mind their own business and go home. But no, because
it's Michael Moore, a darling of the left, our media blindly inhale his
interference in our election. In the desperate final efforts to demonize
Harper and save Canada from the "Conservative hordes," a glorious
opportunity to confirm balanced media coverage has been missed.
Dann Alexander
Stephen Harper owes no one an apology in regards to that stupid communication
blunder. It was the product of an immature mind from the Conservative
war room who will be canned for their actions. Stephen Harper did not
use the Jones tragedy as a background. The media and the Liberals jumped
on a stupid mistake in the communications department and made it look
like Harper was the inconsiderate one.
Walter Loewen
If the Supreme Court rules in favour of a Canadian's right to private
health care, would any of the leaders use the notwithstanding clause to
remove that right?
Cary Oler
It would be interesting to see just how impartial each of the major national
broadcasters (CBC, CTV) are to each of the major parties in this election.
I have been watching the nightly news for months and have a hunch that
the polls track the dominantly positive or negative coverage given to
specific parties. Phrased as a question: "How much broadcast time is each
party given to the various issues on the nightly news and is that correlated
with the opinion polls?" For example, the Conservatives seemed to have
stronger opinion polls when they were being covered in a "good light."
Now the Liberals appear to be in the "good light," and the opinion polls
seem to be showing a coincident upswing for them. Has anyone thoroughly
studied this? I would like to know.
I would also like to know how impartiality is measured and controlled
so that we (the people) are not unwittingly fed biased material.
Given our dependence upon the major broadcasters for fair and impartial
information and how easy it would be for them to sway significant numbers
of people, I would hope this is an exceptionally well-controlled aspect
of broadcast journalism - particularly during elections, when we base
so much of our views upon what we hear and, more importantly, upon how
we hear it.
Pidhi Mami
I definitely like the idea of the tax incentive for voting. This will
motivate people to vote.
Richard Lutfy
The candidates are starting to sound like consultants bidding for a job.
No one has demonstrated leadership skills or convinced Canadians that
they have the skills to govern.
Gaetan Girouard
I am having a great deal of difficulty making a choice. I am looking for
a leader who has a clear vision of what needs to be done to protect Canadians,
even from the government. I have yet to hear any candidate say what he/she
will do to stop something like the sponsorship scandal from happening
again. Prosecution won't stop a reoccurrence. I also have yet to hear
how anyone would stop other programs, such as the gun registry, from costing
Canadian much more than anticipated. When private enterprises run their
affairs as the federal government has they end up bankrupt. All I hear
are empty promises and how the other candidates are no good. Do they really
think Canadians are that gullible? What we need to know is what is going
to be done to the government's procedures to ensure the future of Canada.
June 21, 2004
Paul Willson
I think maybe it is time that we made voting a legal thing, instead of
"just" a right. The people who seem most passionate about voting are those
who have come from places where what we either take for granted or ignore
- the right to vote - doesn't exist. Maybe Australia has it right after
all.
Andrea Kirkwood
I am a Canadian living in the U.S., with basic health insurance. It has
been a frustrating and eye-opening experience to say the least. (And I
have been healthy!) I think every Canadian politician flirting with privatization
should come live in the States for a period of time and either live without
health insurance (like over 40 million Americans do) or have an HMO provider.
I would pretty much guarantee after dealing with the co-pays and bureaucracy,
they will realize what an amazing, civilized health-care system Canada
has (warts and all). Only then will we no longer hear all this rubbish
about bringing private health care to Canada.
Esperanza Ladron de Guevara
I have kept an open mind during this election campaign. I have heard all
the comments about what each candidate thinks is going to be better for
the country. What saddens me is that they are forgetting that the country
is made of individuals that also know what's best for the country. All
the candidates are bright and have the best intentions, but what about
us? We need to be asked, "What is it that you need?"
Dominique Toyuk
Regarding one viewer's comment on CBC Sunday: To make it mandatory to
vote (just like in Australia) does not mean we are losing our freedom!
What about us wearing our seat belts, no smoking indoors, etc.? Where
is our freedom? So why not mandatory voting? I definitely like the idea
of the tax incentive for voting…Why not?
Helen Bellefontaine
Disturbing to me in the last lap of the ugly race, that some are proudly
saying, "I AM NOT VOTING," or are throwing away, in a state of petulance,
their valuable input to causing a positive change. Scratch one more from
the reality show now in progress. Pity. Voting for an inexperienced and
unprepared party, in spite of their lofty aspirations, is an equally poor
idea. We must work with what we have. I say, "we," as government is us
- not a force in the sky, withholding or allotting favours.
Saddening too, to recall how many lives were given in the name of freedom.
That means the right to vote, get involved in things that affect your
life and to speak up "be part of the solution, not the problem" many times
quoted by Canadians that could. Also new Canadians, referring to CBC short
on street response, have been given equal rights - why boast you're NOT
voting?
I'm not saying who we should choose, but for God's sake, let's get off
the smug, crossed-arm petulance and move; shake up that sense of national
pride and tell our leaders what we do want. Sitting on the sidelines,
griping about rotten leaders, etc. just adds to the misery we see daily
on our TVs. Take your place in the line that guarantees we shall always
have the freedom to vote.
Make the difference.
Sandra Topelko
First of all, us Canadians need to vote! People have died to gain this
freedom, and many others are still fighting for this right. Democracy
is not something to be taken for granted. Also, when we vote, we need
to be making informed choices, not ambivalent ones. I think it is horribly
sad that more Canadians are familiar with the politics of the U.S. than
they are with those of their own country. I am 24 years old, and I remember
in high school that our so-called social studies lessons taught us virtually
nothing about modern politics.
Second, I believe that a nation divided against itself will not stand.
Therefore, strengthening the emphasis on bilingualism should be a priority.
A higher level of bilingualism would boost the Canadian sense of patriotism
and unity. Instead of cutting language programs, we should be thinking
of innovative ways to encourage the growth of French throughout our fine
country. Anyone who does not fully support French as one of the official
languages of Canada loses my vote.
My final point is that I fear for the future of this country. I love
Canada, but I am scared when I see how many of our talented professionals
are migrating south for higher wages and respect. Lowering tuition fees
is critical so that us young people can be trained to be contributors
in society. Making it as painstaking as possible for people to pay their
way through university is counter productive, and so is having our graduates
move out of Canada.
L. Eveleigh
I am under 35 and I am voting. I have been hearing quite a few comments
from would-be voters that the federal candidates do not represent them
or their concerns. The MP who currently represents my riding (Vancouver
East) has been very committed to representing the concerns of the young
people in my neighbourhood. She has brought these concerns time and time
again to Ottawa. There are politicians out there who do listen to young
people and are ready to help out and assist however they can. I encourage
all young people to check out their local candidates (because that is
who you will be voting for and sending to Parliament), and vote for the
candidate who represents your riding and addresses your concerns.
Dave Neumann
I have been disappointed there has been little analysis on the comparative
positions on aboriginal and Métis issues. No questions during the so-called
debate.
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