As a progressive, left leaning, Canadian citizen, I found it difficult to decide who to vote for in the October 14th federal election. My values were best represented by the Liberal, NDP, and Green Party alike. The majority of Canadians who voted were in a similar position, often voting strategically to prevent Conservatives from gaining a majority, which they did—but the votes were still too diluted between the three parties to win an ABC (anything but conservative) government.

If you add up votes from those three progressive parties, it equals 7,086,359 compared to 5,208,796 for conservatives.

Now I don’t claim to be an expert in politics, but the topic most important to me, climate change, is all but being ignored by the conservatives. In fact, Canada was rated 15th out of the 17 developed countries examined, with only Australia and the US rating worse. Indeed, immediate climate change action is necessary to prevent major hardships for Canadians down the road—this takes a vision for the future, beyond the short term politically selfish plans currently in effect. A coalition government is only way to give Canadians what they need, and the future our children deserve.

I value Elizabeth May’s opinion highly, I think she outshined everyone at the last federal election debate. She is in favor of the coalition. If you are in the same boat as I, as I know most of you are judging on the election results from October 14th, you’ll have to read between the lines and do some digging because the conservatives will be using some big money to convince the general public that the coalition is bad news. You’re going to have to put on a serious filter over the coming week. Sure the coalition is an imperfect solution, but the temporary chaos it will and has caused, seems to be the best option we have right now. Based on the actual issues, it will be the best democratic reflection of how Canadians voted.

Political talk is a very inaccurate science with more truth bending, and outright lying than in any other facet of life. The above is my simple translation of the current situation based on my values. I understand and acknowledge that others may have an alternative viewpoint, and I honor that.

Just trying to figure out what this coalition between Liberals and NDP is all about. Turns out it could mean some fantastic things for all Canadians, and as a progressive voter, I want to spread the good word. Please watch this video to make some sense of the situation:

Now go to the the Canadians for a Progressive Coalition website and sign the petition

For further details, check out this message from Elizabeth May of the Green Party.

If you want to do more, the Green Party is in desperate need of funds, especially now that Harper is trying to eliminate federal funding for federal political parties. Click here to donate, even if it’s just five bucks! Here’s the intro to the e-mail I recieved from the Green Party about the subject of federal funding:

Today Jim Flaherty announced that the Tories will cut the public subsidy to all federal political parties. It is disguised as a response to the economic crisis. It is actually a scheme to destroy Harper’s political opponents. It is an assault on fair financing rules brought about through sweeping reforms. These reforms were designed to eliminate the power of Big Money in our elections. Harper wants that power back… 

This petition won’t take long either, please make the time, and lend your name. If not, corporate interest could blind the Canadian public in future elections. Please click here for the petition!!

Our democracy isn’t in full working order, and Harper is  trying use the strong arm which will make it a lot worse (except for the minority of greedy conservatives).  It’s bad news all around if we don’t act now!