The following are today’s top five reasons to vote in Election

2011. | A canada news report

Vote and vote often. It’s an old joke, but still has a strong message for the electorate, especially for
Canadians who only put in an appearance at the 2008 polls at the rate of 58 percent.

The following are today’s top five reasons to vote in Election 2011.
Contempt of Parliament – A historic precedent has been reached in this country with the contempt of
Parliament that technically brought down the Tory government. That means the outgoing government,
and likely incoming if polls are to be believed, is in contempt of the people who elected them to the
Commons. Stonewalling on Opposition questions brought down the indictment. Cost of corporate tax
cuts, anti-crime policy and F-35 fighter jets along with resistance to come clean about the Afghan
detainee realities are the major but not the only examples of intransigence and arrogance on the part of
the Conservative government. Resistance to transparency and accountability are the elements of the
contempt designation, but more important, they are an erosion of democratic process. The best
countermeasure is support for democracy, specifically casting a vote on May 2.
End the Afghan Detainee Cloud of Mystery – At time of writing, the Conservative government is
seeking a ruling in Federal Court to exclude evidence from witnesses, like diplomat Richard Colvin,
regarding the torture of Afghan detainees turned over by Canadian military. The action is in response to
an Amnesty International Canada and BC Civil Liberties Association application to seek judicial
review of the controversial policy. Canadians have a right to know the truth and should vote
accordingly.
Toss off Manufactured Fear of Coalition – There is no coalition to fear. The fear is on the part of the
Tories fighting to hang onto office in the face of what the polls are predicting will be another a third-
time Conservative minority government or thin-line majority. Why should the electorate see such an
outcome as an endorsement of another Tory government? The Liberals ruled out a coalition at the
outset of the campaign. However, it would not be disingenuous on their part to form an “accord” with
opposition parties if it were a clear and responsible alternative to facing another two years at an
impasse with an unrepresentative government. Like the 1985 Ontario Liberal-NDP accord, there could
be solid deals made, with measurable promises delivered on an agenda. This would be a policy-driven
Parliament. As such, their pact would reflect a more democratic Commons where much of the partisan
shenanigans would be replaced with real work and at least some positive benefits for Canadians. We
have massive issues before us, with healthcare an outstanding example. Make your Parliament get to
work for you. Vote fearlessly.
Resist Long-Gun Registry Wedge Issue – While stumping through rural ridings the Conservative
leader is trying to woo constituents by brandishing the long-gun registry peril. Using it as a wedge issue
to distinguish himself from his opponents in Tory-leaning ridings, the strategy is to shore up voter
support over this one issue.
On the other hand, the Conservatives have a strategy to gain seats in vote rich Ontario, particularly in
the GTA. Urban voters tend to unsympathetic to dismantling of the registry and should keep the rural
tactic in mind when they head to the polls. Creating a wedge issue on the long-gun registry should
backfire with urban voters. Vote.
Show Contempt for Attack Ads – Attack ads are not about the issues and reduce political debate to
schoolyard name-calling and craven accusations. Turn off the set when they interrupt programming, put
your hands over your ears and incant, “la la la,” or just leave the room. Tune that out, inform yourself
on the issues that matter to you and vote.