Can't agree more. Voter apathy is what THG (The Harper Government) counted on to get into that beloved majority position. Perhaps we need to look at what's been done elsewhere to prompt participation in the democratic process.
$20 is a pittance, but I sure like the idea. Go Australia
Voting at federal elections has been compulsory since 1924 for all citizens on the Commonwealth electoral roll. Anyone who is unable to provide a valid and sufficient reason to the Divisional Returning Officer for failure to vote at a federal election and who does not wish to have the matter dealt with by a Magistrates Court may pay a penalty of $20 (section 245).
www.aec.gov.au...
On current policies, what I can't understand is the refusal to build a refinery in Alberta to process the Tar Sands bitumen. Yes, they can cost upwards to $10B, but wouldn't it be a wonderful thing if Canadians cound benefit (lower gas prices) from our resources rather than exporting the raw product to China or the US through new pipelines that threaten aquifers (etc.)? Let's stem Canadian dependancy on foreign oil products first.
We're willing to spend much more than $10B on F-35's and almost 3 times as much on new ships, but not on an oil refinery? What's up with that?
edit on 19/1/12 by masqua because: grammar
