Tag Archives: voters

More Info than Ever, but Who Can You Trust?

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By Jason Menard

The number of TV stations, Web sites, publications, and social networking sites, can not just sate those who have a thirst for politics – it can overwhelm them. So the question now becomes, how do you filter this firehose-like deluge of information and make the best choice for you?

The Ontario provincial election is less than a month away and while it may seem that we’ve been inundated with campaign rhetoric and information, the fact is that the writ was just dropped and the campaign only officially began yesterday.  Continue reading →

Fringe Candidates Foolishly Have No Door Upon Which Opportunity Can Knock

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By Jason Menard

For a sub-species of people that make their living, in part, by going from door to door, it shocks me that certain politicians – including those who would benefit the most – are neglecting an opportunity that’s knocking louder than ever.

In fact, not only are they not hearing the knock – they haven’t even bothered to put up a door whatsoever. Continue reading →

Pair Vote, Vote Mob Misguided Solutions to a Bigger Problem

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By Jason Menard

Two political events designed to stop a Conservative majority are noble in intent, but are simply two wastes of valuable time and votes, which really only work in an ideal world. Instead, these actions actually have the potential to do more damage to the Canadian election process and represent short-sighted solutions to much deeper problems.

Pair Vote represents everything that’s wrong with federal politics. First, it claims that its intent is “to prevent a false majority by the Conservatives.” The Conservatives have not had a majority, false or otherwise, since they’ve been in power. They have a plurality – there’s a big difference. Continue reading →

Reigniting the Passion Behind Canada’s Cooling Election Fever

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By Jason Menard,

Instead of burning with passion as a result of election fever, I find myself on the precipice of succumbing to burning out with the process — like many of my fellow Canadians apparently already have. However, one only need to look beyond our borders to find the spark that should reignite that fire.

As we enter our fourth election since 2004, I have found myself wondering if remaining passionate about the process is a waste of time. It’s not that I don’t have faith that Canadians will do the right thing – I just don’t have faith that Canadians will do anything. Continue reading →

Responsible Government? Who Cares? Not Canadians

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By Jason Menard

Awish Aslam booted from a local rally for Prime Minister Stephen Harper because of a Facebook photo? Who cares?

Ali Aref Hamadi asked to leave the same reception due to the presence of an NDP bumper sticker on his car? Who cares?

An election caused by the Harper government’s contempt of parliament charges? Arrogantly suggesting that Canadians don’t care about those same contempt charges? Previous elections called in a way that circumvented the very fixed-election-dates policy implemented? Partisan appointments to a Senate that he promised to make accountable? Promises to decentralize parliamentary power and an election campaign fuelled by promises of truth, accountability, and openness undone by an essential gag order on Ministers and a rationalization of power in the PMO?

Who cares? Continue reading →