Now that the election is over, we can return to our regular programming.
But first let’s reflect on that long campaign.
What was very encouraging was how the election signs and television advertising got young children involved in politics. For example, kids were asking their parents about the different parties and what they stood for. They also got a big kick out of watching the Justin Trudeau elevator ad and his reply to Stephen Harper’s claim that the young Liberal candidate wasn’t ready.
But Trudeau was more than ready to end Harper’s reign, and he did it with a majority government. Even children were saying they wouldn’t vote for Harper.
Unfortunately, local Conservative candidate Marshall Neufeld was fighting an uphill battle in defending the unpopular prime minister. And it didn’t help that Neufeld was a no-show at a couple of all-candidates meetings in Oliver and Osoyoos.
Liberal candidate Connie Denesiuk did a great job and handled herself very well during the campaign. She would make a competent MP in Ottawa.
But the voters clearly chose NDP candidate Richard Cannings to represent them. The well respected biologist and bird watcher ran a strong campaign and had many of the answers that constituents were looking for.
No doubt the voters look at Cannings the same way they viewed former MP Alex Atamanenko – someone who listens to their concerns and does something about it; someone who speaks for the poor and the middle class; and someone who doesn’t allow party policies to interfere.
National park supporters will be happy to know that Cannings favours the initiative and will work to make it a reality.
But let’s not forget the other issues that need attention, including an affordable housing strategy (picking up where the Women’s Institute left off), and a national food strategy.
A national park may seem like a good idea, but it doesn’t feed the hungry, shelter the poor or address the social ills that plague this fine country.
