There are two concepts that I keep hearing about with regard to Canadian politics and elections that bother me a bit. One is the idea that Canadians don't like elections the other is that Canadians generally 'want Parliament to work'. In the first case I keep hearing reporters ask "do Canadians want an election" or "are Canadians ready for another election." The answer is always yes, of course. If you are lucky enough to live in a country where you can freely vote for the candidate of your choice, without fear of retribution you are in a minority. Saying that you 'don't want an election' or 'aren't ready for an election' is a slap in the face to all of the millions of people in the world who can't vote, or who must fear for their lives if they don't vote the right way.
If a person chooses they can get involved in an election, work for a candidate or a party, canvas neighborhoods, hand out fliers etc., but all that's really required is that you go out and vote. If you can't spare a few minutes to cast a ballot you obviously don't value Democracy and the rare privilege that you enjoy in the world. So yes, ready for an election, anytime, always, once a week if you like.
Second the whole concept of "Wanting Parliament To Work" in 2006 36.27% of Canadians voted for the Conservatives. That means that 63.73% of Canadians voted to the left of the Conservatives. Even the Greens, who are the closest to the Tories are considerably to the left of them on the environment, education and the arts and the Bloc, if you forget that separatism thing, are far to the left of the Tories on almost ever issue. So the vast majority of Canadians would really prefer that Parliament didn't work as long as Stephen Harper is in the Prime Ministers office.
So to the Liberals, the NDP, the Bloc and the Greens - find a way to get the Tories out, we're always ready for an election and we don't want you to 'make Parliament work' until the majority is represented in the policies that come out of that Parliament.
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