The Politics of Change — An Analysis of Canada’s Revolutionary Election
Being so recent, it’s hard to forget Canada’s recent federal election. Division swept the country. Businessmen in Alberta rallied together, wearing matching cowboy hats, cawing for Stephen Harper’s reelection. Progressives called for change, creating a split in voters between the Liberal Party, who were rebounding from the disastrous leadership under Michael Ignatieff, and the NDP who were finding mainstream appeal with the leadership of Tom Mulcair. New voters were coming out of the woodwork to support their respective parties, fueled only by the prospect of change and a Tim Horton’s coffee. Change was a popular buzzword among the latter candidates, playing off the public’s mass hatred of the Conservatives 8 year rule. The Conservatives remained true to their base, preaching economic responsibility, tax cuts and support of business. But the charisma of Justin Trudeau proved too much for the other parties, who lacked any personality, and won a majority government.
I am a liberal, I value social equality, a mixed economy, and freewill. Yet I also value debate and discussion, concepts that are being discarded in favor of close minded bickering. Our recent election was relatively civil, electoral debates mainly focusing on policy substance opposed to ad hominem nonsense. Stephen Harper, while not an incredibly progressive candidate, conducted himself in a way that makes Americans envious. Trudeau and Mulcair exuded the traits of forward thinking leaders, pushing forward modern liberalism in Canada. While many criticized this election, I believe it showed the civility of Canadians and our ability to debate and discuss. It impassioned young voters to toss aside apathy in favor of a ballot and a voting booth. This change in voter turnout excites me. It paints a picture of an engaged society, it demonstrates people’s willingness to participate in democracy and to make change.
As students, are job is to learn how to better ourselves, and in turn, better the world. Politics is crucial in the development of students, and it needs to play a greater role in our education. We need to spark excitement in students, demonstrate the value of democracy and the importance of voting. I don’t seek to influence your politics, those are views that must be catalyzed by you and you alone. I write this only to provide a defense for politics and to encourage you, the student body, to participate in it. Much uncertainty is present, our current economy has been stacked against us, the youth. Good news is present, in the United States, a social democratic is closely trailing a well-known corporatist, and the only obstacle in his way is the lack of young voters. You hold the key to change, all that stands in your way is a line and box. Vote.
