What voters want this coming election

Rat Creek Press contributors and readers sound off on voting issues RCP COLLABORATION On Oct. 21, Canada’s federal election will be held, and voters will select who they think will […]

Editor October 1, 2019

Rat Creek Press contributors and readers sound off on voting issues

RCP COLLABORATION

On Oct. 21, Canada’s federal election will be held, and voters will select who they think will make the best member of Parliament in their riding.

An election is a perfect time to consider what issues are most important to you and whether or not the candidate you choose reflects those issues or values. This issue, Rat Creek Press readers and contributors share what issues are most important to them and what will influence who they vote for come election day.


I am disturbed that Indigenous issues are not respected and addressed in a forthright and effective manner. Promises are made, yet nothing new is done to address the ongoing needs of communities, families, and individuals. Housing, health, education, jobs, Internet access for remote communities, infrastructure, and cultural development are all on my list when I go to the polls. 

  • Constance Brissenden

The issues most important to me boil down to: Who will be a responsible steward of our planet, ready to act to ensure the ongoing health of our ecosystems? Who is not only willing but also able to listen to and work with Indigenous nations to dismantle ongoing colonization and its harms? Who is willing to listen to the most vulnerable and take direction from them, instead of handing down “solutions” proposed by (Master of Business Administration) MBAs with no lived experience of vulnerability? Who is willing to entertain the idea of ignoring or tacitly supporting white supremacy in order to access power? In a nutshell, who actually cares what happens to the people with the least power and who face the most impacts when funding or programs are cut?

Patterns will influence my voting. When someone shows me who they are, I believe them. It doesn’t matter to me what someone’s platform contains: what have they done in the past when they were required to walk their talk? If they have been terrible in the past, what demonstrable work have they done to learn and do better? What is their commitment to being a member of the community at large, rather than the person whose butt currently occupies the fancy chair?

  • Franki Harrogate

Climate change is a big voting issue. | Pixabay

Human rights and protections for the vulnerable. Indigenous rights. A real plan for dealing with climate change and transitioning to renewable energy and products. Ensuring our social services stay intact. Ensuring the wealthy pay their share.

  • Victoria Stevens

A comprehensive plan for environmental issues. Human rights. Food security. Water security. And, Indigenous issues (TRC, etc.)

  • Rebecca Lippiatt 

Taxes are also on voter’s minds. | Pixabay

Access to education, health and social supports and properly taxing high income earners.

  • Nicola Dakers

A priority should be changing the criminal justice system. As it is, now sex offenders barely get a slap on the wrist and are protected while incarcerated.

  • Tammy Calvin

 Proportional representation. It is a linchpin in progress in a diverse society.

  • Greg DeJong

VOTING INFORMATION

Visit elections.ca for any voting information or call 1.800.463.6868.


Featured Image: On Oct. 21, voters will cast their ballots for their riding’s member of Parliament. | Ottawa Tourism

Partners