Like most voting eligible Canadians, I voted in the recent federal election.
Unfortunately, I was not thrilled with my choices, neither in terms of federal parties nor in terms of local candidates. I agonized over my choices considering the parties’ different platforms, with each of their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, my decision was based upon my perception of the “lesser of the evils.”
Canadians provided Justin Trudeau and his fellow Liberals with a majority government. The general consensus is that Canadians wanted change. The conservatives ran a negative or divisive campaign, whereas the liberals ran an upbeat, positive, sunny campaign. Trudeau also performed well throughout, seemingly gathering momentum with each passing day. The long campaign certainly worked to his advantage.
I am pleased to see that Alberta elected a few Liberal seats, which should provide Alberta with at least one cabinet post. And, many of the constituencies ran a very close race. Perhaps this latest change signals an end to Alberta’s tendency to vote for just one party. Having some diversity is good, because that suggests Alberta will always have a voice in cabinet, regardless of which party wins.
Now that Trudeau has been elected as our Prime Minister, I wish him good luck in governing. I hope he is able to effect the positive changes that he imagined. And, where it makes sense to modify or amend his plans, I hope he is open to altering his course. Canadians have impossibly high expectations of our new government. After a few months, however, we will all have a better sense of the new direction. Although he faces many challenges, I am sure Trudeau is excited by his opportunities.