I feel like Canada is on a moving train that is increasingly speeding toward an unpleasant conclusion. As for defining that outcome, the answer depends on the person with whom you are communicating. The one indisputable fact is that our country’s current situation — as it is unfolding in our federal election and coupled with the antics of the Trump administration — is at a crossroads. Our independence, values and way of life are facing real-time threats. (It is impossible to remain totally focused on Canada’s national election with the Trump umbrella casting a far-reaching shadow over all of us.)
I take great pride in saying that I've always made sure to vote in every provincial and federal election. Given how crucial this current Canadian federal election feels day by day, I believe it might well be the most significant one of my life. My assertion stems from a straightforward but potent fact: although Canadians aren’t currently embroiled in conflicts overseas like they were during the 1940s and early 1950s, we are undoubtedly facing a modern-day trade war right next door with our neighboring nation.
Seas do not keep us apart from our present opponent. The boundary separating Canada and the USA lies at the 49th parallel. th Parallel, an unseen line serving as an international border defined in the Oregon Treaty of 1846, delineates the separation between our two sovereign nations.
I confess that I'm a politics enthusiast who has cast votes for various political parties in previous years. Although my level of political enthusiasm isn't quite what it was during earlier elections, I continue to closely follow the key issues we face today.
As Canada finds itself in another federal election, I’m trying to focus intently on this process. However, similar to many fellow Canadians, I find myself overwhelmed by the behavior of those influenced by Trumpism who aim to drive their own agenda forward. While I do not wish for his tactics to overshadow my thinking, I believe that the contemporary fascist approaches employed by the current US administration are dominating discussions and detracting from the Canadian electoral conversation.
I am currently reading Ruth Ben-Chiat’s From Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present where she outlines the characteristics of authoritarian and fascist leaders throughout the 20th century th and 21 st Centuries ago, instances included figures like Mussolini from Italy, Hitler from Germany, Pinochet from Chile, Mobutu from Zaire, and Gaddafi from Libya. In today’s world, we see several similar cases such as Putin in Russia, Erdogan in Turkey, and Orban in Hungary. Many people also include Trump from the United States of America in this list.
The unsettling similarity drawn through Ben-Chiat’s illustrations lies in how effortlessly Trump could replace the names of the dictatorial leaders she references. This echoes the sentiment attributed to the writer and philosopher George Santayana, who said, "Those who fail to study history are bound to relive it." My concern is that we may be moving towards such a scenario.
Transitioning back to our federal election, irrespective of how you have voted previously, this moment calls for acknowledging the broader perspective—our collective identity transcends personal electoral districts or preferences. Our vote is not just about ourselves but also encompasses the well-being of every Canadian across genders, ethnicities, religious beliefs, and beyond. The very essence of Canada hangs in the balance. In my view, most other concerns should take a secondary role right now. It is crucial that we elect a leader who can address both the immediate challenges and long-term requirements facing Canada.
The April 28 th The federal election will also be one of your pivotal contests. Should you encounter any issues with casting your ballot on polling day, make sure to find your local Elections Canada office and vote ahead of time so you can still have a say in choosing Canada’s future leader. Following the 28th th Canadians require a capable leader with a firm grip, someone who will be much more than merely our next Prime Minister.
Ray Bates a resident of Guysborough Sedabooktook (harbour extending deep inland) He has been sharing his viewpoints with newspapers since 1998. [email protected]