There are many people in Canada who complain about the fact the government isn’t making the right decisions. These people talk about what politicians are doing wrong, and eagerly discuss what would be done if their party of choice was in power.
Unfortunately, many of those people fail to cast a vote in the process that brings to power that government. We live in a democratic society, and we need to let our voices be heard in every election that affects our livelihood, whether it’s federal, provincial or municipal.
The Friends of the Barrhead Library, the Barrhead Chamber of Commerce and The Leader are providing an opportunity for residents to get better informed about where our political candidates stand on the issues that affect residents of this area. It takes place Thursday evening, and it brings under one roof all six candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring for the federal election.
The public will be given the opportunity to query the candidates on issues they deem are important, and the answers provided should give people the knowledge of whom they believe will be the best person for the job. The only thing the public needs to remember is the fact they have to get out and vote. If you don’t vote, then there is no reason to complain about government.
Many of our senior residents have attended the forum in the past, but it would be nice to see the younger generation becoming more knowledgeable about the issues.
The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada and the Chief Election Officer of Student Vote have launched the student general election program. Student Vote helps students learn about Canada’s democracy.
Elementary and secondary students across Canada have been immersed in the electoral process when they vote in parallel elections for candidates in their schools’ electoral districts and take on the roles of election workers. Participating schools receive authentic election tools, such as ballot boxes, voting screens and riding maps. Teachers also receive educational resources, including curricula on Canada’s political and electoral processes.
It’s programs like this that will help shape our youth into respectful leaders. The decisions made by our government affects them, too, so they need to let their voices be heard, as well. There are a number of politically minded young people in this community, and perhaps others should be turning to them to get a better idea of just how important it is to get involved with a political process.
Take the opportunity on Thursday to get acquainted with this year’s federal candidates. Make an effort to be better informed about the issues, because the decisions made by Canadians will dictate who governs us.
