Canadian Absentee

As a Canadian Calgarian temporarily working in the United States, it is difficult to get information about the so-called crisis of the Canadian government. I am lucky enough to have internet access to online newspapers like the Calgary Sun. That said, I am dismayed at polls showing that many people do not want an election at this time. What would be a better time? Maybe the government could mail out questionnaires to every potential voter to find a consensus date to fit our busy schedules? When I heard of the possibility of a spring election, I was worried that it would be difficult to cast an absentee vote out of country - I was not concerned that we just had a federal election.

In a democracy, it is the duty of the opposition to hold the ruling party accountable. So it seems that Stephen Harper's Conservatives and even Gilles Duceppe's Bloc are doing their jobs! Clearly, the ruling minority-Liberals have lost touch with Canadians and do not hold a majority in the House.

In addition, it is the DUTY of the electorate to be informed and VOTE! It does not matter what the polls say, if only 30% of the electorate actually take the time to mark their ballot! Canadians have taken their freedom and democracy for granted. Perhaps we should rename Canada to the Democratic People's Republic of Canada? Winston Churchill may have said it best, "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others." Get informed and get up off the
couch and VOTE when the election happens!