Pessimism and distain in Canadian politics is as notable as the voter turnout and the apathy related to the outrageous scandals that surface. A new Ipsos-Reid poll reveals that my cynicism of politicians isn’t rare and goes on to confirm other polls showing disappointment for all politicians.
The online survey for Postmedia News found that 95% of respondents felt that politicians were disconnected from the aspirations of the average people. At the same time, the poll found that a strong majority didn’t trust politicians – especially those in federal and provincial jurisdiction. The last point found that Canadians felt that we pay taxes that are much higher than they should be and that we don’t get value for them in return.
If this wasn’t enough of an indicator, at a French Language summit in Quebec City, Stephen Harper was interrupted by an angry protestor who walked in the room and yelled, “Stop Harper, stop Jean Charest.”
The protestor continues.
“Citizens rise up. We need you, everybody.”
The over 1,500 attendees, mostly youth, applauded him while he was being taken out of the conference by security.
The poll sounds about right: we pay much higher taxes than their worth, none of the current political options federally and provincially are viable options to form a good government and politicians appear to be too engaged in personal gain to care about the lives of average Canadians.
It’s even come to the point where some pundits have pointed to the formation of a new political party but as we can see, the bad reputation of politics isn’t immune to anybody.
What do you think? Do you trust politicians or do you think we are overcharged and overruled? Is it time to demand a refund and ask the government to get out of people’s lives?
On Monday, the longest campaign in modern history will come to a close and if current polls are any indication, Canada may be seeing a change in government after 9 years of Conservative rule under the leadership of Stephen Harper. Accountability was his calling card in 2006 and today, accountability may very well be one of the defining reasons for his departure.
On Monday, the longest campaign in modern history will come to a close and if current polls are any indication, Canada may be seeing a change in government after 9 years of Conservative rule under the leadership of Stephen Harper. Accountability was his calling card in 2006 and today, accountability may very well be one of the defining reasons for his departure.
In its length, in its cost and in its debate schedule, this election is unusual. The first and possibly only real debate of the campaign ended and here are the highlights of what happened.
In its length, in its cost and in its debate schedule, this election is unusual. The first and possibly only real debate of the campaign ended and here are the highlights of what happened.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper left Rideau Hall this morning with Governor General David Johnston’s approval to drop the writ and Canadians are now officially headed to the polls on October 19. For the first time since fixed election date legislation was brought in by the Conservative government, a fixed election date has been followed.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper left Rideau Hall this morning with Governor General David Johnston’s approval to drop the writ and Canadians are now officially headed to the polls on October 19. For the first time since fixed election date legislation was brought in by the Conservative government, a fixed election date has been followed.
It’s the holiday season and Canadian financial experts are praying that spending increases to revitalize the fragile Canadian economy. Little do they know, Canadians are still cash strapped, Canada’s economy hasn’t moved a budge and most Canadians expect 2013 to go down hill. What does this mean? As long as citizens feel a rocky road, they too are closed for business.
Today marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. While other countries that used it as a model for their own freedoms and rights may be celebrating, along with every person who cares about their freedom, the Conservatives aren’t and have openly criticized the charter.
For a government that touted its record on public safety, this budget shows that its priority is anything but. Instead of cutting the bureaucrats they added when elected in 2006, the Conservatives took a direct assault on services Canadians need.
