I'll admit that the last thing I wanted to see was another election - especially at the federal level. So when the writ was dropped and an election date set for May 2, I was certainly not dancing in the streets. With a vote looming provincially in June over the harmonized sales tax, a possible provincial election and a municipal election in November, the idea of heading to the polls again was not one I was embracing.
But as the weeks have gone by and the election trail is heating up, I find myself getting more and more interested - and it's not just because it's my job to be interested and engaged with the candidates.I take it as a personal responsibility as a proud Canadian to be involved in the political process.
I had the pleasure of moderating the all candidates meeting in Sechelt on Monday night, and despite a few hiccups at the start (lost my place in the script) and mistakenly referred to Tunya Audain as a member of the Marxist-Leninist Party (she is, in fact, representing the Libertarian Party of Canada), the evening went pretty smoothly.
There were, of course, a few in the crowd who have not grasped the meaning of respect, like the gentleman who stood up and screamed out that Doug Hartt should not be allowed at the meeting and that he was not even a candidate. While I may not personally agree with Mr. Hartt and what his Canadian Action Party stands for, he is, in fact, a registered candidate in this election and should be afforded respect alongside the other eight candidates running in the riding of West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country.
And respect is just one of the major issues that this election is all about. Respect for this country, its values and what we stand for. Respect for Canadians and the issues that face us. Respect for the chosen leader of this country and for the other parties.
For the most part, respect amongst the candidates, at least in this riding, was shown Monday night. No one really stood out for me for the better or for the worse. Each candidate was afforded the opportunity to state his or her viewpoints on a variety of issues, and I hope that the close to 300 in attendance and those watching at home live on Coast TV were able to get a better insight into the candidates and their parties, and who they want taking our views and concerns back to Ottawa.
So that comes to my main point of this column, which is what is my responsibility and your responsibility in this election? Well, that's pretty simple - get out and vote.
Learn about the candidates, the parties and what they stand for. Learn about the issues and what issues you hold true to your heart, and chose the candidate who best reflects those interests and issues.
If you have a son or daughter in your family who is now old enough to vote, get him or her to the polls. As I pointed out in my editorial last week, the youth of this riding and this country must become active and be the catalysts for change. Young people are the future and can make a difference.
So on May 2, get to the polls. It's everyone's responsibility and it's our right - a right that people have fought and died for.
