%20(4).png){kind=spacer}
Did you know that for most people the party leaders and their priorities hold more weight than their local candidates?[1]Repeatedly, evidence points to the fact that local candidates definitely make a difference and matter - but rarely do they ever get the spotlight in a federal election.[1]Think about it, if something is wrong in your community, would you reach out to your MP or the Prime Minister of Canada / federal leader of the party?
If you’re still in the process of making a decision about who to vote for (remember, election day is September 20), let’s try a little exercise.
Using Democracy Bot, try texting your current MP about issues that matter to you and see how they respond. Can we make this a thing? Anytime you have a matter to discuss with your federal MP, just hit ‘em with a text message? Yes, please. #democracymadeeasy.
After a federal election, there is one very important moment: the very thing that begins the new parliamentary session. The Speech from the Throne. This speech is delivered by the newly elected Prime Minister to the Governor-General of Canada and outlines the new (majority or minority) government’s direction and priorities, and strategies for how they plan to achieve their goals.[2]This is important. For example, if young people care about issues such as affordability, climate change and environmental action and protection, and mental health care, and a party whose values doesn’t align with ours on those issues is elected, we can campaign to get our voices heard as the cabinet writes the Speech from the Throne. Democracy definitely doesn’t stop after election day, and there’s work always to be done. But first things first, VOTE.
Sources:
- CBC. Party vs candidate: When it comes to Toronto, does it matter who knocks at your door? https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/party-candidate-cities-toronto-federal-election-1.5281799
- Government of Canada. Speech from the Throne. https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/campaigns/speech-throne/2020/speech-from-the-throne.html
