Now you may think I am exaggerating, but the sad reality is, I am not. In the last federal election, a mere 15% of the country's 18-24 year old citizens voted while 52% of the entire country balloted. This is truly unfortunate as the electoral process is what drives democracy. Governed for the people, by the people. And you know what? In Ethiopia, since democratic elections came along in 1994, voter turnout has consistently been 90% +. Same goes for many other countries. You know why? Because it is democracy that allows us to have the freedom and equality. A democracy is where all citizens get direct and equal participation in the development, proposal in what gets into legislation. By voting, we have a voice in the direction of where the country is headed. In fact, it is for democracy that hundreds are dying in the middle east right now; in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, Bahrain, all for the sake of the freedoms and rights we enjoy in Canada. People are dying...for democracy.
Now you may say what does the government have to do with me? But let me tell you this: everything. From our taxes, to our education system, to our infrastructure, health care, and laws. For example, tuitions are regulated by the Ontario government, yet this year, a 4% tuition increase will be applied to Waterloo and similar elsewhere. The HST you pay on your iPod or bowl of ramen. The crazy wait time in hospital ERs when I took my friend to the hospital. The bathroom law that allows people who feels they are a girl in a guy's body to use a female's washroom freely.
The TTC.
Politics is more involved in your life than you think.
So, if people are dying for this thing called democracy, why do only 15% of us go out to vote on election day? Are we being complacent? ignorant?
Now, your voice in the elected representatives in the government shapes this country. Canada is a nation that its citizens stand proudly for its leadership and actions for pro-human rights and freedoms and democratic rights. Having been founded upon a solid bedrock as a democracy one hundred forty-four years ago, at a time when major countries were controlled by emperors and monarchy, this country continued to be revolutionize with world-leading accomplishments such as the Human Bill of Rights by the Diefenbaker government, the peacekeeping missions by Lester B Pearson and the renowned Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a guarantee for basic rights and freedom that allows us to maintain equality, freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of belief, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association, and the right to participate in political activities and the right to a democratic form of government.
I had an opportunity to listen to General Romeo Dallaire (in charge of the 1994 UN missions in the Rwandan genocide) last week. He mentioned that if young people ever decide to consolidate, their influence could affect generations to come.
"You hold the balance of power in this democracy - and you're not exercising it."
As an election becomes imminent, I want to challenge y'all to pay close attention to the party platforms, and decide on where you want to see in our nation's future.
When that they comes, I hope you'll know what to do. Hopefully you will know the V word.
On a bit of a tangent here, but this is the historical fourth stanza of O Canada:
- Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
- Hold our Dominion in thy loving care;
- Help us to find, O God, in thee
- A lasting, rich reward,
- As waiting for the better Day,
- We ever stand on guard.
May God keep this country glorious and free!
