First, let me give my heart felt sympathies
to the employees of the local Elections Canada office. Right up until Sunday
the 7, they had to pretend that there was still a by-election
going down the next day. Anyway, Prime Minister Stephen Harper felt that the
opposition parties weren’t coming to work and actually contributing anymore, so
he did the only thing he could do: end it all. So apropos, that brings us to this
week’s issue:
Question #3: How
will you work to create a better, more co-operative Parliament?
Tom King: New Democrats come to Ottawa to make Parliament work, to put Canada on
a progressive path that will meet this century’s biggest challenges. We want to
balance the books and pay down debt, but we also recognize our obligation to
the future. In Parliament, New Democrats realize that we are not here to
scandal-monger over the latest headline. We are here because this country is
crying out for progressive solutions to the challenges of the century ahead.
The NDP will not let Canadians be taken for granted. They deserve better than
what Liberal and Conservative governments delivered.
Gloria Kovach: Like
every Canadian, I see media reports and wonder what is happening in Ottawa. However,
despite what we see in Question Period, the fact is that the Harper government
has made great strides in two and a half years with a minority government for
Canadians – such as improving our economy, passing improved crime legislation
to ensure safer communities, healthcare advances and making us a more respected
and responsible player on the international stage. Every elected official
should ensure they represent their communities’ needs, be a strong voice and
take the responsibility seriously and show up to vote.
Mike Nagy: Have you been to the House of Commons? It behaves deplorably. I've
seen more constructive, sensitive and honourable behaviour at day cares.
Canadians don't deserve this. The Green Party is the only party that can create
a better, more co-operative Parliament. Why? Because we are the only ones
without partisan baggage; because Canadians of all political stripes and
colours like us whether or not they have voted for us before; because I want to
set an example in Ottawa by fostering respect and co-operation, building
consensus, and celebrating common ground.
Frank Valeriote: The
amount of rancour going on during Question Period is embarrassing for all
Canadians, but it can change if each and every MP pauses and remembers to
behave in a civilized fashion before they speak. Glen Pearson and Bill Casey
are excellent parliamentarians and their example is what all politicians should
follow. I think if MPs make an individual, conscious decision to be more respectful
to each other, then Parliament will become more co-operative.
What about the others…?
With the general election now in
full-swing, the playing board is wiped clean. The four majors will keep going,
but there were four other “third party” candidates in the running too. So far,
only Karen Levenson of the Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party says that
she’s going to keep going. Guinness World Record holder for most elections
contested, John Turmel, also plans to stay in the race in either Brant or Guelph. Turmel says
he’s leaning towards Guelph, calling Brantford “undemocratic” after he was escorted from a provincial election
debate last Fall. Libertarian Philip Bender and Marijuana Party candidate
Kornelis “Brother Kase” Klevering had not yet stated their intentions by
deadline.
Now what?
Yes, you will have to vote again if you
went to an advanced poll. If you were one of the ones that had cast your ballot
before the September 8 by-election day, you will have to fill out
another ballot on October 14. All the ballots already cast have
been boxed up and shipped to a warehouse in Ottawa; just like
the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
For more information on the Guelph now-general election,
visit my blog at http://guelphbyelectionbeat.blogspot.com/. Yes. It’s still
called “Guelph By-Election Blog.” It’s a brand now, get used to it.
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