My vote

Riding: Ottawa West-Nepean

"Do no harm". That is what the Globe and Mail editorial board has advised its readers to do when voting in this election. I agree. When it comes down to it, how bad off is Canada, really? Yes, in the past few governments we have had misbehaving politicians and bureaucrats resulting in an ongoing scandal, but can Canadians point to a time in our history where life has been better? Canada benefits from a high standard of living, good healthcare, decent public schools and relatively safe cities. Let me contrast that, for the moment, with the United States. In New York City, the standard of living is high, but at a much elevated cost; health care is good, but you must pay for it and if you make a mistake as one of my colleagues did recently and go to an "out of network" physician, one doctor's visit can cost you $2,500; it is rare to meet anyone who sends their children to public school, incurring instead annual tuition costs around $20,000 from the time their children are 3; and because of the gun laws alone, while the city is safe, it is still quite usual to hear of a couple of homicides a week. Don't get me wrong, I love New York City, but these are certainly points to reflect upon.

And I have done just that in attempting to decide who to vote for. I still want improved public heath care and education, a strong opposition voice and a strong voice for Canada on the international stage, but what I have come to realize over the course of this election, most importantly, I want a government that will not fundamentally change what Canada means to me.

Much has been said during this election about strategic voting. Some have said you should vote locally for the best candidate in your riding, but others claim you should vote for the party and its platform. My riding is Ottawa West-Nepean. The candidates in my riding are Marlene Caterall, Liberal, Sean Casey, Conservative, Marlene Rivier, NDP, and Neil Adair, Green Party. Marlene Caterall has represented the riding since 1988. She has been a decent representative, in fact, I voted for her in 2000, though, I cannot say that I ever remember her coming to our door and I have never had any personal interaction with her. Since I live far from my riding and have not been able to learn much at all about the candidates in Ottawa West-Nepean, making an informed decision about a local candidate is very difficult. I decided, therefore, to cast my vote for a party.

Before this election began, I, like many Canadians, was disenchanted with the Liberals and felt they had been governing as if it was their right instead of their privilege. And while I would consider myself a Liberal and have traditionally voted for them, going into this election I was almost positive I would vote for another party this time around.

It was unlikely my vote would have gone to the Conservatives, as our social values just don't seem to line up. I did think, though, my "protest" vote could go to the NDP. I like their social liberalness and felt that Canada has been missing a voice on the political left for some time. I still feel that way, but I have since reconsidered my decision to cast a protest vote. With the Conservative Party threatening to form government, I felt now was not the time to protest.

I have already cast my absentee ballot and I voted for the Liberals. What I have come to realize over the course of this election is that I was not entirely unhappy with how Canada was run. Paul Martin was the strongest Minister of Finance that Canada has ever had; he knows how to run a fiscally responsible country. I also have confidence that the Liberals and Mr. Martin will keep a steady course when it comes to Canada's social programs. Admittedly, things could have been done better, but I am doubtful they would have been had anyone else been in power over the last decade. I realized I was most disillusioned with the assumption of Mr. Martin and his party that reelection was a forgone conclusion.

While I am not sure the Liberals have entirely learned their lesson, they have certainly had the scare of their lives. And I believe that they now remember that governing is a privilege and one that should not ever be taken for granted. A vote for the Liberals, in my opinion, is a vote in support of Canada, its fiscal policy, its social policy and its position in the world. Given the alternative, the status quo sits well with me and, in my opinion, does no harm.