Politics, Platforms, and Parties: The Upcoming Canadian Election
- Julia Kyi
- Mar 6, 2022
- 3 min read
In mid-August of 2021, Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and member of the Liberal Party, called an early federal election, leaving a mere five weeks for parties to campaign before the voting occurs on September 20th. Many complex issues are at the forefront of Canadian minds, such as the pandemic and the rise of global warming that has been evidenced in fires across Canada this summer. As the campaigning commences, four major parties take the stage to make their case as to why they should be the next to lead the country.
Early Election:
Trudeau has taken an ambitious stance by calling this early election, believing that his tactics throughout COVID-19, as well as his other policies and governing will be enough to convince Canadians to elect the Liberal Party for a third consecutive term. He has been met with criticism by Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, who believes the election comes at a poor time as Canada faces the pandemic’s fourth wave.
Justin Trudeau — Recent Term:
During Justin Trudeau’s current term, the Liberals released ambitious plans to lower Canadian emissions, and began vaccinating Canada at one of the highest rates worldwide. However, they fell short in their goal to bring clean water to all Indigenous reserves, and Trudeau faced a blackface scandal before the previous election.
Liberal Platform:
Over the next election term, the Liberals have pledged to greatly reduce childcare costs, extend COVID-related insurance coverages as well as their “Canada Recovering Hiring Program”, and provide billions of dollars to help resolve the healthcare system backlog. They have also committed to resettling 20,000 Afghans in danger of the Taliban, and allocate increased funds for humanitarian work. However, though their promises are far more extensive than the points stated, they have not yet released their official platform for the upcoming election. This proves to be merely promises they have made throughout the past two years.
NDP Platform:
The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, hopes to gain favour with their progressive platform prioritizing climate action, reconciliation, and affordability. However, while their ambitious goals seem ideal, many Canadians question whether they can realistically be achieved without draining Canada’s finances.
Conservative Platform:
Conservative leader Erin O’Toole wants to focus on recovering jobs and the economy post-COVID, as well as boosting mental health funding across Canada. They also plan to lower Canadian emissions and increase the usage of zero emissions vehicles across the country. Despite the focus on COVID throughout the conservative platform, the party steers away from mandating vaccines, a path the Liberal party has planned to pursue.
Green Platform:
The Green Party of Canada, headed by Annamie Paul, has plans to release their platform categorically as the election approaches. While they have not yet released an updated platform, voters can assume they will continue with their 2019 goals of focussing on sustainability and green infrastructure, as well as other pressing issues such as affordability and ending colonialism.
Conclusion:
As the election quickly approaches, many hope the voting turnout will rise from the previous election, when only 66% of eligible voters cast their ballot. In turbulent times, as Canada begins to recover from the pandemic and attempt to steer clear of more climate disasters, the leadership of the country will have a major role in Canada’s future. And voters must use their votes to voice their hopes for the country.
Source CIC News
How to Vote:
Vote in advanced polls in your riding from September 10-13!
Vote by mail — begin the process as soon as possible.
Head to the polls on Election Day (September 20th).
Remember to bring ID, follow safety measures, and carefully read all instructions on your ballot.
Students living in residence are permitted to vote in the riding where their student accommodation is located.
If you are a Canadian 16 years or older, apply to work at the polls at electionscanada.ca and get involved with the political process!
Sources:
https://www.greenparty.ca/en/our-vision
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