Canadian Politics

I am often pleased that average Canadians are progressive in the views on many issues. I am equally disappointed on how out of touch Canadian politicians are with their own citizens. I’m also distressed that they don’t work together to provide good government. They waste time acting worst than children by insulting each other and yelling at each other. Then they run to the press and tell us how bad the other MP’s are to them. No wonder no one wants to vote.

Back to the progressive Canadians. I have just read an article by Bob Hepburn in the Toronto Star (Mar 12 2009). He was commenting on a survey done by Canada World  www.canadasworld.ca  The survey included over 104,000 Canadians on what Canada’s international role should be. With out going into detail I’m just going to pass on what Canadians think should be the five areas that need to be in a strong Canadian foreign policy.

First, they want Ottawa to advance the idea of a green economy, reducing our ecological foot print, investing in green technology and supporting cities in long term sustainable planning.

Second, they support embracing diversity, with Ottawa fostering intercultural dialogue, honouring our links with aboriginal peoples and leveraging our global connections in foreign relations,business and policy development.

Third, they want Ottawa to promote good governance around the world and to get Canadians interested in politics and governance again. ( The reason behind this web site).

Fourth, they want to foster innovation, especially in green technology, health, the social economy and the communications technology.

Fifth, they want to enhance the notion of equality, with Ottawa assuming a leadership role in fighting global poverty and championing human rights and inequality at home and abroad.

It would be great if the politicians acted on these recommendations in stead of acting like children, …….no worse than children they know better. Is it to much to ask that our leaders actually act like leaders?