Five Things to Think about Before Election Day

By: Laura Steiner

As the campaign closes, there’s a lot to think about when casting a ballot. Here are some thoughts on the campaign’s last days.

Majority/ Minority:  Ontario, and Quebec hold 199 of 338 seats.  A party that wins the most seats in this area, will make the government.  In the case of a minority parliament, the party that previously governed (the Liberals in this case) will get a chance to meet the house in order to form a government.  Current poll numbers indicate a tie in Ontario between Liberals, and Conservatives; the focus Election night will be on the 905.

A Prime Minister who isn’t a party leader….  Given Justin Trudeau’s behavior during this campaign; the unearthing, and publishing of the blackface photos.  Plus his conduct for most this year on the SNC Lavalin file, a minority government may be the perfect excuse to get rid of him as leader.  The same would be true of a coalition government with the NDP; Jagmeet Singh would become Prime Minister.  Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has a perception of weakness following him around; he doesn’t click with some of the grassroots membership. Some Conservatives also  think that his agenda isn’t quite where it should be, and when comes out against something, he’s not as strong as he should be.  If it were a condition for the support of a Conservative minority government, he could be gone.

How come nobody is talking about…. Healthcare? Save for promises on Pharmacare from the Liberals, and NDP; increased funding for equipment from the Conservatives, and a universal dentalcare from the NDP nobody is talking much about it.  The boomers are starting to hit the healthcare system with advanced health problems.  There are doctor shortages in parts of the country, and weaknesses in homecare systems in others. Nobody is talking much about how to solve these things at least in a way that gains traction.

Millennial votes: For the first time Millennials are the largest voting block, and likely to determine the outcome of the election.  It probably contributes to the fact that climate change is a big issue that refocuses voters on the NDP and Greens.  But Millennials struggle too.  Home ownership for many is a distant dream even with help. The same can be said of a solid, dependable job similar to previous generations.  Job churn, and temporary contracts are a way of life for this age group.  There isn’t much being said about that either.

Credibility, and character: Both matter in this campaign.  Canadian voters can move past Trudeau’s mistake, but can they move past the hypocrisy? Can they get past Andrew Scheer’s flaws? It’s a tough call.  Maybe voters chuck them both and cast a lot with the Green Party, or NDP?

Election Day is October 21, and it’ll be the voters’ turn to have a say.