By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Last week, I told you about my visit to Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and promised to write more about the discussions I was involved in.
For those who missed it, a conference entitled Leadership and Trust in Canadian Politics took place, and I was invited to participate.
Acadia professor and renowned author Alex Marland asked me to participate after I met him several months ago at a panel discussion downtown Toronto at the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy.
In 2022, I threw my hat in the political ring to defend democracy, and I now take any opportunity to protect it—my work in Nova Scotia allowed me to do just that.
While no system of government is without profound flaws, democracy cannot be taken for granted.
Throughout my career, I have spoken to many of you who have lost hope. You are worried about your future, the future of your children, and your grandchildren. You have grown cynical of leaders and governance. What might come as a surprise is that the prominent Canadian politicians from all government levels and party stripes, I was fortunate to spend time with in Wolfville are also gravely concerned.
As a group, we felt the sentiment that “all parties are the same, and all politicians are the same” contributes to voter apathy. In 2022, Ontario saw its lowest voter turnout since Confederation. Canada and the United States have long posted some of the lowest turnout numbers compared to other developed countries.
There are scenarios where low voter turnout benefits political parties and candidates. As turnout falls, concerns about the functioning of democracy rise.
Further contributing to voter apathy is the increasing appointment of candidates rather than allowing the grassroots to choose. Of greater concern is that the appointed candidate need not even be of that particular party stripe…for example, card-carrying Liberals are being appointed as conservative candidates.
Politicians must prioritize a healthy democracy by changing behaviour. I suggested to colleagues that if we don’t want to be seen as a typical politician, then don’t be typical!
In my work at Queen’s Park, I have witnessed cross-party partnerships being largely non-existent. The government believes it has a monopoly on a good idea—if it’s not their idea, it is not adopted. This serves the governing party, not you, the taxpayer.
Government and politicians are supposed to serve the public, but the electorate feels the opposite.
The party system is preoccupied with branding and messaging, which, in my opinion, dulls down candidates and politicians, often causing them more harm than protecting them, as the handlers would argue is the goal.
Authenticity makes one more relatable, and I’ve heard countless times, as I travel the riding, that my honest, raw approach is refreshing.
We must do politics differently. Around the world, voters are turning away from traditional political parties as they feel elites and special interests have infiltrated and hijacked the process.
The grassroots are people like you and me, and we are solid in our principles; however, the leadership cares little about what we think, wanting us only for our money and our votes.
While in Nova Scotia, I was often reminded of how Haldimand-Norfolk offers hope that we can hold our leaders to account if we stand up and are counted.
I’ve been told that Haldimand-Norfolk may have defended democracy once, but some forces will try to ensure we don’t defend democracy a second time. I’m willing to take that bet because the people of our beautiful riding have long been known as trailblazers.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk