By Zile Singh

Canada has been rated one of the best countries to live. It is known for its multiculturalism, diversity, lenient immigration policy, a heaven for refugees, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, the situation during the last few years has changed a lot for the worse. More than five million people, 8% of the total Canadian population, today are living in poverty.  Poverty affects people of all ages, economic backgrounds, and nationalities. Poverty is a complex issue related to unemployment, return rates on investments, sub-standard and unaffordable housing, overburdened health system and shortage of classrooms etc.   The skyrocketing prices, the highest in many years has made people to pay for their basic needs through their nose. Today, the writing on the walls is that the Liberals and the NDP have betrayed blatantly the Canadians, especially the youth who cannot even dream of having a two bed- roomhouse to live and raise a family.  People are sleeping on the streets. 

More than two million people use the Food Banks facility.  Deaths with overdose and in drug related rivalry has become a daily affair.  Lately, thecar jacking and call for ransom and extortion are matters of deep concerns for businesses and men on the street.The situation has given rise to mental illness and stress.  If proper steps are not taken before the time runs out, the situation may turn fromworse to the worst. 

Pierre Poilievre, PC, MP, and the Leader of the Official Opposition addressed these issues during his several public meetings in Metro Vancouver on January 21st and 22nd. He touched upon all these issues at length and expressed his great concern.  He, unequivocally, blamed the ruling party for such a state of affairs and put forward his Commonsense Agenda to take out Canada from this morass.  According to him, the immature and egomaniac policies of the Liberals and National Democrats have been instrumental for the woes of the common man, especially themiddle-class workers.   He particularly mentioned about the deficit budgets, one after the other, threats to the freedom of the press, funding the CBC for personal benefit, invoking the Emergency Power Act, and allowing influx of immigrants, international students, and refugees without adequate and sustainable infrastructure.He elucidated his remarks with facts. Democracy does not flourish via WE Charity and the SNC-Lavalin Affair. He criticized the ruling party severely.  He is being referred to as the Conservative Party’s ‘attack dog.’ During his speeches, Mr. Poilievre was greeted with thunderous applause by thousands of his audience.   He spoke in a simple but aggressivestyle without mincing words, often taking a dig at his opponents.  A Federal Court has since ruled the government’s use of Emergency Act unreasonable and unconstitutional.   Maybe in some other affairs also, the party has to eat humble pie. 

Country’s foreign relations are at the lowest ebb.   For lack of diplomatic finesse, world’s big economies have been antagonized without any substantial reasons. On some current international issues, the statements are mercurial.  Like a pendulum.  Rights and freedoms under the Charter are Municipal Laws. These are not International Laws.  These should not be allowed to be used as tools affecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of friendly foreign countries. Diplomats can be declared as ‘persona non grata’ by the receiving State.   Not ‘wanted’ by some subjects.  It brings bad name to our strong and vibrant democracy and a reputed international image.  No doubt, interference in internal affairs of a country by another country is not compatible  with international law. 

In February 2022, Pierre Poilievre declared his intention to run in the Conservative leadership election. He then said, “I am running for Prime Minister.”  Similarly, when Mr. Trudeau was chosen the leader of the Liberal Party in 2013, the Conservative Party termed him as “lightweight intellectual with pretty face and a famous name who was ill-prepared to lead Canada.”  Mr. Poilievre is junior to Mr. Trudeau in age but senior in political experience. In fact, both these points are in favour of Poilievre.  Since 2015, Poilievre has been a shadow Finance Minister.  As Minister of Democratic Reforms in Stephen Harper’s government, Poilievre has to his credit the Elections Reforms Act and the Power, Budget, and Accountability Act. It is a fact that without accountability and answerability, and budget (money) corrupt absolutely. 

Let us come to the next federal elections.  Keeping in view the above-mentioned situation, it is imperative tovote for a change.  We all are Canadians, whether Citizens or Permanent Residents.  All of us want a healthy and happy life for ourselves and for our children. Change is the Law of Nature. They rust who do not change.   Nothing is pleasant that is not spiced with variety.  Winston Churchill said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” 

According to the Canadian Charter of Rights, we all are equal.  But, in practice, someare more equal than others. They misuse the democratic system for their own benefit.  They do not care for democratic ethics. For them vacations become avocation. For ulterior motives, the political parties go for a marriage of ‘convenience’ which, eventually, comes to a pretty pass. It runs into wedlock. In this process, a situation arose when the involved political parties started saying, “I cannot live with you.” in one breath.  In another, “I cannot live without you.”According to a report, the NDP was ‘Proud’ of and also‘unsatisfied’ with the Liberals. 

Zile Singh is a columnist, author, poet, human rights activist, golfer and a vipassana meditator. He can be contacted at zsnirwal@yahoo.ca