| Who knew the federal election campaign would turn out to be interesting? Rather than another Liberal romp, this year’s campaign is getting too close to call, meaning all the big issues elections are supposed to be about may actually be raised. In such a close race, every last vote will actually have meaning, too – let’s hope it doesn’t come down to dangling chads and partisan judges to decide the final outcome.
We’ve dedicated this section of the paper to your thoughts and feedback on the election campaign and our coverage of it. Rant, muse or lambaste – this section is yours. Just keep it short and to the point.
E-mail your thoughts to election@ffwd.greatwest.ca.
They won’t win, but voting Green is voting for change
The next federal government won’t be formed by the Green party. It doesn’t matter which of the Liberals or Conservatives form the government because they are both homogenous, business-friendly parties that must exist within our current system of globalization and, apart from a few policy tweaks here and there, will deliver the status quo. If you accept the argument it doesn’t matter which of the two parties will win, you need to make your vote count by voting for an issue, in this case the environment. Most rational people would agree that federal governments don’t do enough to protect the environment. By voting for the Green party you are showing the government that you are concerned about environmental policy. Secondly, due to changes in election funding rules, your vote will also generate $1.25 in campaign spending for the Green party in the next federal election, which will be another avenue for communicating environmental messages to the populace. The Green party does have a complete platform but it is relatively inconsequential because they aren’t going to form the next government.
Calgary Liberals are full of women candidates
Thank you for publishing an article on the gender disparity in Canadian politics ("Invisible girls: Everyone likes women in politics, so where are they?" by Jack Locke. Election,. May 27 — June 2, 2004.). It does require a great deal of energy to enter into the fray and often women find themselves with too many other responsibilities to be able to make the commitment of time required. However, I would like to point out that there is no disparity in the Calgary area among Liberal candidates. There are four dedicated women running in this region: Cathy McClusky in Calgary North Centre, Julia Turnbull in Calgary South Centre, Judy Stewart in Wild Rose and myself – Avalon Roberts – in Calgary Southwest. Women are well represented in the Liberal party in this part of Alberta! Hope people will get behind their favourite candidate and take part in the political process. It is our Canada!
Avalon Roberts
Liberal party candidate for Calgary Southwest
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