How I see it

Ruth Ellen Brosseau - The controversy

The media’s relentless pursuit in attacks against Mrs. Brosseau are rather disgusting.

For those of you who may not know, 22,403 eligible voters in the riding of Berthier-Maskinonge voted for Mrs. Brosseau defeating the incumbent.

However, it seems as though that Mrs. Brosseau’s campaign was far from one, both literally and figuratively. During the campaign she was absent, and was noted to be in Vegas. Moreover, she only spent roughly $1800 on her campaign and didn’t even step foot into the riding itself. 

I understand both sides of the argument. The ability for her to be elected without even having an actual campaign is beyond me. It isn’t a fault at her running in my view, it was the voters themselves. How could they so blindly elect someone who barely speaks french and was absent most of the campaign?Blame it on political education or whatever reason you so wish to cite. 

I see her election as one that confirms Quebec’s desire for change. As such, although she was barely present in the riding throughout the election cycle, Quebecers of her riding demanded change and broke away from the Bloc Qubecois.

Her role shouldn’t be de-legitmized. She was within democratic rights to run for office and be elected, regardless of whether or not she ran a campaign.

The media should work with the MP elect and allow her to become more public rather than continuously harassing her over the dreadful campaign she ran.

NDP youthanized

As the NDP have gained official opposition status, many questions have been raised regarding whether or not some of these candidates are adequately experienced and ready for life on the hill. Some of these new MPs are students at McGill University, with one as a recent graduate. The NDP have also elected the youngest MP of all time, a 19 year old Pierre-Luc Dusseault a student of Politics at Universite de Sherbrooke.

Now, I can understand the concern other parties and the media are raising regarding these young, inexperienced MPs that are representing Quebec Ridings, many of which displaced Bloc incumbents. That being said, I still see great potential in these MPs.

I find it unfair and unjust that the media has been attacking and questioning Jack Layton regarding the experience these MPs lack.

When it comes down to it, these candidates were given a mandate to represent the constituents of their respective ridings. It is evident that the voters in these ridings do solemnly believe that the NDP candidates, although young and inexperienced will do an adequate jobs in representing them and as a result of the vote which displaced many Bloc incumbents, they voted for change in parliament hill. It is evident that the NDP represented that change.

All we can do is wait and see. These young MPs will need to learn quickly what happens on the Hill but I have faith that they will learn quickly and well as they are energized to make change on parliament hill.

The NDP SURGE

I refuse to accept mediocrity. That is why the current conservative government must be removed from office.There is the perpetuated myth that the Conservatives are effective fiscal managers. But that is far from it and is only supported by uneducated journalists in local media outlets.

I am glad that the NDP has surged. And Will vote NDP on May 2nd. I believe, as any Canadian, that the values of democracy shall and must be maintained for future generations. This starts with the election of the NDP as either the official opposition or perhaps forming a minority government. Either Way I think they will bring great change to Ottawa, and for once a breath of fresh air.

From re-opening the constitutional debates with Quebec to abolishing the senate, the NDP’s democratic reforms are one’s that I see eye to eye with. The problem in Ottawa isn’t one of which governing party is doing the right job… it is a systemic problem that has yet to be fixed. I believe with the NDP in power they will take the steps necessary to ensure that democracy is fixed in Canada and that the Senate will be abolished rather than being kept for the sake of political strategy and age old tradition.

The billions of dollars in spending is what Canada needs in order to maintain its place in the world stage. Protecting health care and Canadian workers are the sole priority of the NDP. As a result, I can foresee a Canadian economy emerging stronger and more resilient if the NDP are able to either influence the budget even further through an opposition role or are able to implement their own policy through a minority role.

I will be watching the polls closely on May 2nd and I hope you do to.
Make a difference, vote.