I've got the federal election blues!!

Another few years with the "always charismatic" Mr. Harper, oh woe is me!! And just when our neighbours to the south are showing promise with the possibility of Obama and his Democrats in the White house!!

Many of you may be saying right now, what choice did we have? Stephane Dion? Jack Layton? But what most people tend to forget is, it is not about the leader, it is about the party and their politics.

Canadian politics has become a popularity contest. He dresses better, she is better in front of the camera etc. etc. Yes I too miss the days of the always charismatic (and I mean it this time) Pierre Trudeau and lets not forget the joules of Mr. Clarke (how could we). We definitely need more personality on Parliament hill, but lets not let that be the basis of our vote.

But are Canadians actually voting! In this time of economic turmoil and political uncertainty across the globe, you'd think Canadians would be coming out in droves to exercise their constitutional right to vote, but not the case. Nearly 10 million eligible voters took a pass on casting a ballot Tuesday, plunging election day turnout to a historical low. In 1958 nearly 80% of the population voted in the federal election, yesterday, not even 60% voted.

Perhaps voting should be treated like Jury Duty, you can only get out of it if you have a really, really, really, good excuse. Just a thought!!

But, I digress, one of the main reasons I chose to write about the election today, was because I wanted to share a publication with my audience, you may not be aware of. (and I really wish I had shared it earlier, but oh well!)

This book is one in a series of Canadian Centre for Policy Alternative (CCPA) publications that have examined the records of Canadian federal governments during the duration of their tenure. As with earlier CCPA reports on the activities of previous governments while in office, this book gives a detailed account of the laws, policies, regulations, and initiatives of the Conservative minority government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper during its 32-month term from January 2006 to September 2008.

The 47 writers, researchers and analysts who have co-written this book probe into every aspect of the Harper minority government’s administration. From the economy to the environment, from social programs to foreign policy, from health care to tax cuts, from the Afghanistan mission to the tar sands, from free trade to deep integration, and to many other areas of this government’s record, the authors have dug out the facts and analyzed them.

The Conservative Record was necessarily researched and written long before an election was called, but its publication does coincide with the election. Regardless of the election outcome, its contents will continue to be relevant between elections. In detailing what a minority Conservative government really did, or failed to do, it may serve as a guide and model for future elections.

You can purchase a hard copy for $24.95 or you can just read it online. Below is a link to the Conservatives record on Women's Equality and Human Rights, an interesting read.

For the entire publication Click Here.

Sorry for my foray into politics, but I did say I might get personal every now and then.

For those of you who have expressed an interest in parenting issues, check back next week for some great tips and links.

Cheers
Amanda