Canadian Election: Why should I care?!!

I'm A Lumberjack and I'm Okay

Interesting article on the Canadian election.

I have no idea what the Green party is like.

The direction of the 2004 platform, while retaining similar ecological themes, shifted in other aspects from a radical-left to a centrist or even right-of-centre stance. An emphasis on a green tax shift which favoured reducing income and corporate taxes while increasing taxes on polluters and energy consumers created questions as to whether the Green Party was still on the left of the political spectrum, or was taking a more eco-capitalist approach.

However, [..] the centrist view was not new and had always been advocated by those in the party who measured their success by forcing other parties to adopt Green Party policies. This is currently occurring as the Liberal Party [..] has adopted much of the Green program, notably, accelerated Capital Cost Allowance deductions restricted to sustainable technology only, and, the adoption of ecological and social indicators and green procurement rules Greens have long advocated.

As the new kid on the block, we appreciate that many Canadians want to know more about the Green Party of Canada, who we are and what we stand for. It's difficult to stick old-fashioned political labels on us, because we're neither a party of the left nor a party of the right. For us, good ideas are simply good ideas. So, who is the Green Party?

We are socially responsible and inclusive. That means: health, not just health care, lessening financial obstacles for post-secondary students, affordable housing, working with Aboriginal communities to improve well-being and self-governance, properly funding arts and culture, supporting immigrant communities, and more.

We are environmentally sensitive and innovative. That means: promoting energy conservation, and the conservation of wildlife, habitats, and natural ecosystems, shifting to a green economy, building mass transit and transportation systems that make ecological and social sense, reducing greenhouse gases and achieving Kyoto targets and moving beyond. We believe that those who pollute should pay the full cost of remediation and any damages arising from their recklessness. [..]

We are conservationists and trusted guardians of Canada's natural wealth. From depleted fish stocks to contaminated water to clear-cutting old growth forests, poor management of ecosystems has resulted in the loss of species and jobs, as well as the disintegration and displacement of communities built around these ecosystems. [..]

We will reform the tax system [..]. We want to address Canada's fiscal imbalance and we reject red tape simply for the sake of red tape. We believe Canadian sovereignty and the interests of Canadian citizens must always take precedence in trade negotiations.

[..] We are democratically representative. That means: adopting a proportional representative electoral system, renewing our political institutions, restoring people's trust in government, and connecting with community groups and citizen-based movements that are giving us the progressive tools of a more accountable and participatory society.

this election is about solutions. For Canadian aboriginals, providing economic solutions for the nearly one in two Canadian families who spend more than their pre-tax income, and hope for the nearly 4 million Canadians who don't have enough to eat or worry whether they will.

It's an election about 900 communities in Canada that are losing friends, family and neighbours to urban cities. It's about sustainability - economic and environmental. It's about new Canadians who still find doors slammed shut as they pursue their individual dreams in their new land. It's about a health care system that needs to look a lot less like 'Let's Make a Deal'.

It's an election about Canadian sovereignty - in the Arctic, in culture, in our social values and trade. It's an election about the very essence of Canada.

Canadians don't carry their pride on their sleeves, but in their hearts. [..] And it's time to restore and build upon our identity, our collective responsibilities and what it means to say proudly "I am Canadian".

None of them are giving me any hope for what is truly important, and they all represent something I definetly do not want. blehhh.

Finn d'Abuzz wrote:

I'm A Lumberjack and I'm Okay

Interesting article on the Canadian election.

Well, the one positive thing one can say about that article is that at least the National Review's agenda is not "hidden".

I doubt that kind of partisan fervor would persuade anyone who isn't already a Conservative anyway, though.

Their latest television ad warned that the Tories intended to deploy the Canadian armed forces in urban areas, implying that they would be used not to help in Katrina-style emergencies but to impose martial law.

This invited a raucous response from, among others, the Canadian military: "Where would we get the soldiers? Where would we get the guns?" asked one officer, who asked not to be named [by Canada's National Post.]

"Haven't these guys been reading their own policies?" The ad was quickly withdrawn amid Liberal embarrassment. A Liberal flunkey remarked that "some idiot" had approved it. The Liberals' embarrassment deepened when it became known that the "idiot" in question was the prime minister, Paul Martin.

nimh wrote:

Well, the one positive thing one can say about that article is that at least the National Review's agenda is not "hidden".

I doubt that kind of partisan fervor would persuade anyone who isn't already a Conservative anyway, though.

I'm sure both the National Review and the author will be extremely pleased to know that you can find one positive thing to say.