Do we deserve to be Canadians?

Voting is a concept that many people just don't understand anymore. At one time, it was regarded as an honour and privilege to vote. Now, most people regard it as a chore... A voluntary civic duty that they can partake in only if they feel like it. How did this happen?



Imagine life prior to our democratic government. Before we elected our leaders they were merely appointed by the powers that be. And who were those powers? The unelected Monarch, i.e. the King or Queen. And you know how that King or Queen was chosen? Divine right. They were somehow superior to everyone else in such a way that they were "chosen" by God to lead us. The people that lead our country and governed all aspects of our lives were chosen, not elected, by another unelected person. Responsible government was virtually non-existent.



In the first election held in Canada, voter turnout was 73.1%. It has since fluctuated from the low 60's to the high 70's. In the last federal election, October 2008, voter turnout was a startling 58.8%. This number is so low that it is actually embarrassing.



The Fathers of Confederation worked extremely hard to bring us our democracy. Hundreds of thousands of people made sacrifices and worked very hard to achieve democracy in Canada. In fact, in other places in the world hundreds of millions of people, if not billions of people, have been killed fighting for democracy in their countries.



Canada already has a functioning democracy. We are not asking anyone to work hard or make sacrifices. We are not asking anyone to fight or die. All we are asking is that you take a few minutes out of your lives every year or so to vote.



In fact, we are not asked of very much in Canada. Follow the law, pay your taxes, fill out the census, and vote. Only three of those things are required. Following the law is a universal requirement everywhere in the world. Paying your taxes is also a universal requirement, and allows us access to necessary services. Filling out the census ensures that we get the right services. The last thing asked of Canadians is that we vote. It's not required, and no one will ever be forced to vote. We are asked to vote because it is arguably the most important thing we as citizens could ever do because this voluntary civic duty is the controlling factor of the three required duties.



As previously mentioned, the duties of a Canadian citizen are not extreme. They are little more than a minor inconvenience. None of them take a very long time, and many are so ingrained in our day to day lives that we don't even notice them anymore. The majority of us have no problem following the law, paying our taxes, or even filling out the census. Why do we have such a hard time voting. Especially considering all the social programs we receive as Canadians, such as healthcare, education, welfare, and police service. On a personal note, I would never be able to attend university if it weren't for the Government subsidizing over 50% of it, and financing the remaining amount through both loans and grants.



If we don't vote because we "don't have time" or because our "vote doesn't really count" we are insulting not just our history, but our future as well. As fewer and fewer people vote our government becomes less and less democratic. With each passing election as less people vote,  we move closer and closer to our undemocratic past, and further away from the democratic future our ancestors worked so hard to achieve.



When you think about it, we have a municipal election every 4 years, a provincial election every 2-4 years, and a federal election every 2-4 years. If we can't take the few minutes out of our lives to vote every year or so, then do we really deserve the social services we receive? Do we really deserve to be Canadian citizens?


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Ignatieff Makes Personal Appeal

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff sent out an email to his mass mailing list today, with a subject line of "This is personal." Here it is:

My mother got sick with Alzheimer’s when she was in her 60s — early, in other words — and my dad took care of her at home. I’ve never admired my father more than when he looked after my mom, but it killed him, basically. It was tough, even with my brother, Andrew, stepping up, and our family and friends helping.

Like my Dad did, millions of Canadians care for family members at home when loved ones fall ill. They are a silent workforce, providing $9-billion in unpaid work each year. Many must use personal savings to survive, miss work or quit their jobs. Over half have household incomes under $45,000. Like the loved ones they are caring for, many of these caregivers are in the fight of their lives.

Yesterday, I announced a new Liberal Party policy to change that.

Canadians want to shoulder the responsibility of caring for their ill parents, grandparents, spouse or young children. But they also want a government that stands with them, a government that chooses families over corporate tax breaks.

That’s why the new Liberal Family Care Plan will introduce:

1. A new six-month Family Care Employment Insurance Benefit, similar to the EI parental leave benefit, so that more Canadians can care for gravely ill family members at home without having to quit their jobs; and

   
   

2. A new Family Care Tax Benefit, modeled on the Child Tax Benefit, to help low- and middle-income family caregivers who provide essential care to a family member at home.

Replacing the current six-week EI program, the Family Care Employment Insurance Benefit will let families claim up to six months in blocks over a year long period, and share it with other family members.

Meanwhile, the new Family Care Tax Benefit will help low- and middle-income family caregivers defray the cost of providing essential care to a family member at home. The new benefit will provide families that qualify with a tax-free monthly payment worth up to $1,350 per year.

During difficult economic times, governments — and Canadians — must choose.Stephen Harper and the Conservatives choose a $6-billion annual tax break for corporations. We choose families. We’ll keep the corporate tax rate where it is now, 25 percent lower than in the United States, and use some of the savings it provides to pay for the Liberal Family Care Plan.

I know this policy will help countless Canadians struggling to provide care for sick loved ones at home.

Thank you.

Michael Ignatieff

John Ivison of the National Post received this email, and he was less than pleased, stating that them email "reaches too far." He goes on to say that he thinks that the email is "manipulative, undignified and in poor taste." I couldn't disagree more! The email starts off on a personal note, and quickly progresses to a discussion on the Liberal's new home care plan. Ignatieff is using a personal story to attempt to connect to Canadians. He is not reaching for sympathy, but rather letting Canadians know that he sympathizes with them. He is telling Canadians that he knows what they are feeling, and he knows what they are going through. 


This personal approach is not overreaching at all. In fact, catching a glimpse into the personal life of a leader is a refreshing change, and allows Canadians to connect with him on a personal level. I think this email could prove beneficial for both the Liberals and Canadians.

Liveblogging Canada's New Governor General

Thank you for visiting our live coverage of the installation ceremony of our new Governor General, David Johnston!

Time Heals All Wounds

Today, Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney spoke in Windsor on the state of Canada's economy and made his predictions for the future. The outlook seems that the economy will remain at a crawl, for the time being, with gradual growth.

Still recovering from the recession, growth will not come easily in Canada, due to the fact that our economy is tied heavily to other nations, especially the United States. The U.S. is also trying to recover from the past recession, and the results have hurt the more stable Canadian economy. This is due in large part to the decline in exports making their way to the U.S. because Americans are reluctant to pay for unnecessary items in fear of a, "double-dip," recession. Therefore sales are on a downward trend.  Carney had this to say on the foreign markets, "During this period of adjustments, we should expect subdued growth in major advanced economies."

Back in Canada, the GDP, has fallen for the first time in over a year this past July by 0.1%. It does not seem like a huge fall but the worrisome part is the lack of growth of the economy. In an age where job opportunities are shrinking, as small and large businesses downsize or fold up completely, there is a cause for concern. Carney also hopes that the "average amount of hours worked [by Canadians] will return to its trend, but only very gradually." However, "the unusual uncertainty surrounding the outlook, warrants caution."

With unemployment starting to become an issue for more Canadians, those with jobs will soon be facing a hike in their employment insurance (EI) premiums. However, the federal government is recognizing that Canadians are not bursting at the seems with cash these days. In light of this, Financial Minister Jim Flaherty has announced the recent increase will be slightly scaled back. No longer will Canadians be expected to pay 15 cents extra on every $100 instead the hike will be reduced to 5 cents. Canadians across the nation are pinching pennies as it is and money seems to always be tight. Although this is a small increase, over time, will EI premiums, ironically, be a factor that sends Canadians to the unemployment line?
Further Reading:

• Mark Carney warns of 'modest' growth (theglobeandmail.com)
• Feds Scale back EI Premiums Hike (yahoo news)

Census vote!

The House of Commons will vote on a motion to call on the Government to reinstate the long form census, about 40 minutes from now. It is known that the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc will all support the motion, with the Conservatives likely voting against it.

At this point it is very likely that the motion will pass, however it is important to note that the motion is not binding. Because the census falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal government, it is not up to the House to control the census. All MPs can do is ask the Government, on behalf of the Canadian people, to reinstate the census. Harper's response: no. It is highly unlikely that the government will change their mind.

I was considering live blogging the vote, but I don't think it is really necessary since it is just a vote, and we essentially know which way everyone will vote.

As a side note, I will be live blogging David Johnston's swearing in ceremony on Friday, so check back then!

More information:

• Liberals move to reinstate long-form census (cbc.ca)
• Tories haul out 'coalition' label in census spat with opposition (theglobeandmail.com)
• Ontario, Quebec want long-form census reinstated 'as soon as possible' (theglobeandmail.com)

Tories take lead, or statistical anomaly?

The latest EKOS poll, released to the CBC, show that the Conservatives are holding a 32.4% lead, with the Liberals at 28.9%. The NDP are holding 16.6% support, while the Green Party maintains 10.7% and the Bloc are at 8.9%.

Normally, the statistics would suggest that the Conservative have a minor lead of 3-4%. However, if we take a look at the data from the past few weeks, we see that the data could be telling a different story.

The data from September 2 suggests that the Conservatives have 29.4% of the vote, while the Liberals have 29.1% of the vote. Even without the margin of error, the two parties were in a virtual tie.

The data from August 19 suggests that the Conservatives would win 32.5% of the vote, while the Liberals would win 27.9% of the vote. The 5% tory lead is barely statistically significant, and should thus be noted as relatively close to that of a tie.

Now, if we take a look at this weeks data, we see that there is perhaps another possibility. Because the difference is within the margin of error, it is fairly difficult for us to be sure that the Conservatives are in the lead. Perhaps they are, or perhaps the parties are still in a tie. The data speaks differently to each party, and is much too close to state that the Conservatives are gaining ground again.

Chart from CBC.

Gov confirms $9 billion purchase

We know have confirmation from the Government of Canada that 65 F-35 Lightning II aircraft will be purchased for $9 billion. That works out to about $138,461,538, or $138.46 million each.

The Government refused to comment on the reported $7-9 billion maintenance costs that have been circulating around, stating that the maintenance cost will be negotiated once the planes have been delivered.

They criticized the Liberals for criticizing them, when it was in fact the previous Liberal government that approved funding for the development of the aircraft. It is important to note however, that the Liberal government did not approve the purchase of the aircraft.

They also said that had they opened the contract up to the proper bidding process, they would have spent more time and money, and would have chosen the F-35 anyways. Something tells me the Liberals and NDP won’t be pleased by this. Expect statements from them very shortly

Liberals recall Defence Committee

That’s right, the Liberals have called for the National Defence Committee to reconvene to examine the decision to “sole-source” the $16 billion fighter jet contract. An interesting note: according to the Liberal press release, the “future Liberal government will put a hold on the Harper government’s $16-billion sole-sourced fighter jet contract, and will immediately call for the House of Commons Defence Committee to reconvene as soon as possible to examine the government’s secretive, unaccountable decision to proceed with this contract.” You read it right. They said future Liberal government. Not if, but when.

Ignatieff on his way back to academia?

Some reports are suggesting that Michael Ignatieff has been offered a prestigious job in academia, should he want to leave the political world. According to the Globe and Mail, he has been offered the top position in the University of Toronto’s Global Affairs School. The Conservative, and maybe even the NDP, are sure to latch on to this and attack mercilessly, but so far no statement from the Liberals. This would be a good time for Ignatieff to reaffirm him commitment to acquiring 24 Sussex Drive, by issuing a public statement turning down the offer. Time will tell what he does, however is think it is fair to say that should he ever take UoT up on their offer, the Liberals will lose almost all credibility.

On the Hill today, Public Works and Status for Women Minister Rona Ambrose will be making a statement on behalf of the Government regarding the “honour killings” in Montreal. This will be interesting because we will finally get some clarity on whether the Governments wants an amendment to the Criminal Code for honour killings, or whether they will back-track and remind us that murder is murder, no matter the victim.

Liberal industry critic Marc Garneau is also holding a press conference on the Hill this morning, likely about the Government’s announcement tomorrow that it will sole-source the $9 billion purchase of 65 fighter jets from the US. That $9 billion price tag will climb to $16 billion when 20 years of maintenance and support are factored in.

And the Liberal Express is onward rolling. No more bus troubles for them, after getting it fixed at a garage name Harper’s Diesel. Ironic? I think so.

Afghan detainee document details; now what, NDP?

Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson has announced that the members of the Ad Hoc Committee reviewing the Afghan detainee documents are: the Honourable Claire L'Heureux-Dubé, C.C., G.O.Q., the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, C.C., Q.C., and the Honourable Donald I. Brenner, Q.C.

For those of you that forgot, the Government and two of the opposition parties (Liberal and Bloc) arrived at a deal regarding months and months of conflict surrounding the release of Afghan detainee documents. The Government didn’t want them released, citing national security concerns, while the opposition wanted then release immediately after accusations of torture surfaced.

The deal they arrived at stated that an Ad Hoc committee of experts would be established to determine which documents could be released, and how to release them without jeopardizing national security. The Liberals and Bloc agreed that this was as close to fair as possible, while the NDP disagreed. The NDP was so disgruntled by this that they walked out of the meeting, and attempted to convince the house that this was a breach of parliamentary privilege, and even that the Government was in contempt of the house. Unfortunately for them, the Speaker ruled that the deal was acceptable.

With these latest details begin released, one might wonder what the NDP is going to do. Well luckily one doesn’t have to wait for long, as the NDP have scheduled a press conference at 3 pm. You can watch the liveblog courtesy of CBC and Kady O’Malley at 3 pm, or you can check back here later for the details.

Liberal Express Update: Stuck on the side of the road

That's right folks! The nice shiny Liberal Express looks great!... on the side of the road that is! The bus blew it's transmission shortly after leaving Hawkesbury, en route to Cornwall. Local Liberal Party members came to the rescue, driving Leader Michael Ignatieff, his wife, and most journalists to the BBQ in Cornwall, where Ignatieff was expected to make a speech.

Other Liberal MPs, Senators, staffers, and Young Liberals weren't so lucky; they had to wait on the side of the road for a replacement bus, dubbed the Liberal Express 2 or LE2, to pick them up.

Let's hope that we can expect more dependability from a potential Liberal Government than we can from their bus!

PoliticsToday: Senate adjourns for the summer, Liberal Express departs Ottawa

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A slow day for some, exciting for others. To begin, the Senate passed the 900-page budget implementation bill late last night, and Royal Assent was granted this morning. That being said, the Senate has joined their House counterparts by adjourning for the summer! Parliament is now officially out for the summer. Now that’s not to say our MPs and Senators won’t be working; just look at the Liberals!

The Liberal Party of Canada has launched the Liberal Express today. For the next 8 weeks Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and a team of several Liberal MPs, Senators, staffers, and Young Liberals will be touring the country by bus to meet and talk to as many Canadians as possible in an attempt to hopefully turn their poll numbers around. The party will be posting blog updates here, and you can also follow the CBC's Rosemary Barton (@RosieBarton) as she Tweets her experiences as she travels across the country with them. An interesting note; the Liberals are planning on stopping at every Tim Hortons along the way! As I type this they are making an unscheduled stop at one and they only just left!

The other parties are pretty quiet today, with the exception of the Conservative’s usual “just visiting” campaign against Ignatieff. They are referring to the Liberal Express as the “Just Visiting Express.”