Maybe someone out there can explain to this simple citizen why the mere idea of a “coalition” government is to be regarded (according to Stephen Harper) as akin to one of the Seven Deadly Sins for Canadian voters.
Looking around at other democratic countries in the world, one sees very many “coalition” governments that seem to function pretty well compared to some other “systems” currently in use. Perhaps a more proportional voting method produces better results?
At least, in a “coalition” government one might find members who actually represent one’s own thinking. Would that fact alone not help create more confidence that your vote is not wasted? This could even result in greater attention being given to actually voting — as well as supporting better candidates who are accountable to the voters.
Indeed, Alberta’s decades of de facto single-party rule have developed an attitude of “Divine Right to lead” in the continuous majority party; but also led to cynical indifference on the part of our citizens. This has created a vicious circle of top-heavy, often arrogant governance over an apathetic and docile citizenry. Obviously, this is not a healthy, representative democracy.
Is that what we want to see in our federal governing system? Are citizens elsewhere better empowered to make their “coalition” systems work for them? Surely it is not too late to become informed, participatory voters who understand that we have the power to create for the common good within a truly representational — possibly even a coalition — Canadian government this time.
B.J. Murray
Red Deer