CORD Weekly

Canadian politics more relevant than US
Devon Butler
Oct 08, 2008

Though every citizen should be well-rounded and informed on international affairs, their main focus should be on their own country.

On Thursday, October 2, the Canadian Party Leaders’ Debate was held. This heated night on television also included the American Vice-Presidential debate. Unfortunately, they both aired at the same time; so which one did you watch?

To Canadian politicians, the feedback seems discouraging. Many Canadians remain ignorant to their potential leaders’ promises and policies. These eligible and even non-eligible voters were more preoccupied with the personality of Sarah Palin than the “boring” debate between five potential leaders of our own country. Though every citizen should be well-rounded and informed on international affairs, their main focus should be on their own country. Is it Canadian to prefer watching a debate for the Vice-President of America, who will be second-in-command, as opposed to the debate for the next prime minister of Canada?

Regardless, the American election has surpassed the Canadian election in both ratings and interest among Canadian viewers. This would not be the first time that American media and culture have dominated Canada. It is no wonder we seem to be lacking a unified interest in our country’s politics when we are now in a world where over 90% of television shows in Canada are American-produced.

How did this happen? We all recognize America’s power to dominate on the world stage, but Canada, resting on its doorstep, is affected the most.
Indeed, to some Canadians, US media and culture deliver that “je ne sais quoi” entertainment value.

However, in a world where Canadians choose to watch Stephen Colbert over Rick Mercer, we have to start placing boundaries on how much we will let America influence us. The American influence is applicable to the hype surrounding the US election. The hype America has created revolves primarily around the charm of the candidates, but not what they stand for.
Almost anyone can tell you that the candidates are historic due to McCain’s age and Obama’s skin colour, yet neither of these factors center on either candidate’s ability to perform as president.

The recent introduction of Sarah Palin, John McCain’s running-mate, has created a media frenzy, exemplifying America’s tendency to aggrandize all things, including their politicians.
The United States has now set a trend in what an election should be, where the common citizen is more interested in the candidates’ personal lives as opposed to their platforms or policies.
This trend has begun to leak into the Canadian election. Those who follow the election in our backyard can see it is slowly becoming more about charisma than policies. Canada appears to be trying American tactics in an attempt to gain more attention.

Stephen Harper’s entire campaign seems to be an example of this, with his main focus being on Stéphane Dion’s leadership abilities rather than any concrete issues.
It is possible that this lack of interest in Canadian politics is due to Canadians taking their government for granted. We are blindly assuming that job loss, the war in Afghanistan and our failing education system will work themselves out.

The main explanation for this ignorance is that, for the past few years, we as a nation have been reasonably lucky in having such a stable government.

Up until recently, we’ve had a period of good economic growth and overall improvement in quality of life. As a result, we have become complacent about our politics. Is this the real issue then; that Canadians have become overconfident in our leaders and ourselves as a nation? Or is it simply just another case of the rapid decrease of interest in Canada and preference to America?

Informing ourselves of international activities, especially those of our neighbours to the south, is crucial.

Their election outcome will no doubt affect us, but it should not be overshadowing what will be directly affecting you in your own backyard.

The United States election is not until November, whereas our election is only a week away. Though it may be easier to follow two politicians instead of five, I think it is fair to suggest that Canadians stay informed with Canadian politics.