We are living at a moment in history where two interpretations of democracy, each guided by a different set of core values, are being put to the test.
One version — where the people elected to govern are guided by the principle that laws should be made to enhance peace, order and good government — has produced the Canada we are proudly experiencing today.
The other version, where lawmakers are guided by the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, has produced a different experience for our neighbours to the south.
True to the sense of who we are as Canadians, this moment should not be one where we stop to gloat over the misfortunes of our neighbours; nor should we bury our heads in the sand and pretend that the existential threat we are facing from the south is not real.
Rather, this is the moment where we pause and soberly reflect on what Canada means to us.
Fortunately, at this critical moment in history, we are also faced with an opportunity to exercise our solemn duty to select those who will govern us through these turbulent times. The voting decisions we will be making shortly will have consequences long into our future.
Let us prepare for that choice! For those who will be standing for office, understand that Canadians are proudly united and will demand from you clear policy options to navigate through a world that has radically changed since the last American election.
Canadians will expect your “A” game with well-thought-out plans — not concepts of a plan — aligned with our core values. For voters, the challenge will be to inform ourselves to elect lawmakers who understand that Canadians want to grow our social and economic legacy — the envy of the world — built by successive generations, on a delicate balance between the exercise of individual freedoms on the one hand and a sense of social responsibility on the other; built on the rule of law that respects the civil and human rights of individuals and yet, holds each one of us accountable for our actions and reminds us of our obligations to each other.
It is, indeed, a legacy celebrating the accomplishments of the past while explicitly acknowledging and learning from the mistakes we have made on our shared journey to shape an inclusive Canada which belongs to us all, and ours to protect.
In 1904, Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier famously said “the 20th century shall be the century of Canada and Canadian development.” He was partially right. In the 20th century, Canadian innovation in national policies and contributions at the international level in peacekeeping signalled to the world our maturing nationhood.
The 21st century is where we share with the world the importance of a democracy based on peace, order, and good government; a democracy that works for all of its citizens, not just for those who voted for the winning side.
Ernie Klassen is a White Rock city councillor.
