The dissolution of the Liberal government means we’re in store for yet another season of campaigning. This untimely event could potentially put a damper on the holidays. Since its inception a mere 17 months ago, Paul Martin’s minority government has faced obstacle after obstacle. According to the Toronto Star, a national Ipsos-Reid poll conducted on Nov. 29 reported that the Liberals and Conservatives are currently neck-and-neck, each with 31 per cent of the country’s . Meanwhile, the poll reports that the NDP have 18 per cent of the nation’s .
It is unfortunate that over the past 17 months the parties could not set aside their respective agendas to allow for the normal processes of government to take place. Instead of taking advantage of the minority to influence positive change and provide representation to a broad cross-section of Canadians, the opposition parties chose to approach each major issue as a possible opportunity to call an election.
Now that an election has been called, we hope that all parties will realize that negative, “dirty” campaigning is not what the public wants to be subjected to. Similarly, in order to deter this sort of campaigning, we need to make it clear that it is ineffective in swaying our votes.
In a tight electoral race, our votes will count more than ever and it is important that as young people, we take advantage of this chance to make our opinions heard.
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