Vote like it matters

Monday is the last day to vote in the federal election, and if the polls are correct the results will be indicative of how Canadians are feeling about the state of the nation.
While this riding is, without a doubt, expected to remain Conservative, there is a bigger picture being revealed. We the voters are constantly divided on issues, albeit within a narrow ideological margin, to which we have long attributed this country’s immobility on a number of issues. Like in many cases, this is both a best and worst quality. It prevents us from demolishing social systems that do a lot of good for the nation, but it also prevents us from tearing down harmful systems of oppression and those that benefit certain sectors.
This campaign has been unusual in that you have the Conservatives championing social spending, and the Liberals, NDP and Greens clamouring for the boldest climate action plan.
These parties are all peddling a very moderate centralist approach to governance, while the PPC is gaining traction on the right of the political spectrum, threatening to take away seats from the Conservatives and giving a voice to people who feel they do not belong in the centre.
The more we push back on their ideas, the harder they dig in their heels.
When Maxime Bernier visited Collingwood in August, he told the crowd that the PPC was being “cancelled” and ignored by “mainstream media.” He said if the party could secure six per cent of the vote, they would no longer be ignored. The polls show that the PPC could achieve that goal and that the party could secure one seat. Bernier’s message is resonating with voters and by leaving him out of the televised debate, his supporters are even more motivated to vote.
Much of this support comes from people who disagree with pandemic lockdowns and mask mandates. And yes, many people across all parties think that the Liberals are absolutely nuts to have called an election at this time. The polls agree, predicting that the Liberals will probably emerge from this election with another minority. So, it will have been a waste of time and resources for most parties, and voters, except that the PPC will have gained ground and the Green Party of Canada will have lost ground.
As always, despite our cynicism, we urge everyone to get out and vote at your assigned polling station on election day, Monday, Sept. 20.