Alienating the electorate
It came as no shock to most political observers when, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Governor General dissolved parliament and declared a Federal Election for October 14. (back to story...)
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Dear "Calm down",
The second paragraph does mention the possibility of other ways to vote.
"I also recognize, and am thankful for, the systems in place that will allow observant Jews to vote, even if they may not be able to take part in all forms of political participation."
You need to reread this article....you missed the authors point.
"This is not to say Jews will be unable to vote. Canadian election laws allow the casting of early ballots."
But Josh does mention this. Perhaps the person that made the last comment should actually read the article instead of skimming the title.
Good article Josh.
Thanks for the article! I however am an 'outraged' Jew. Directing Jews or any other Multi-faith or Multicultural group to an advanced poll in order to push through an early and opportunistic election is tantamount to segregation of a portion of the citizenry. Adding insult to injury, the debates on Oct 1 are being broadcast on the second night of the Jewish New Year, an observant and holy day; and is also Eid ul Fitr- the celebration at the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.
I am also very disappointed in B'nai Brith Canada and The Canadian Jewish Congress who seem to be trading full citizenship and dignity, for the Prime Minister's promise of more security funding for Jewish schools and synagogues. Have they no pride or no memory of segregation in our past? Both organizations have retreated on this issue- directing us to advanced polls. And what if Prime Minister Harper does something even more untoward after our votes are cast? We will have lost the chance to include our vote right up until voting day with other Canadians. Do B'nai Brith Canada and The Canadian Jewish Congress really think they will have lost whatever support Harper has extended? October 16 is free of any Multifaith/Multicultural holiday. Harper should have called the election for that day, or waited until the International Fracophonie conference was over....oh but then that would take voters too close to Christmas... - that would be inappropriate !
I hope this issue will be brought to all-candidate's debates.
Please keep me posted on the election in Ontario. The Jewish community and other ethnic communities are quieter on Vancouver Island than they are on the mainland.
I can be contacted at gnestel@uvic.ca or gnestel@telus.net (the latter email address is preferred).
L' Shana Tova/ Wishing you a Good New Year, Happy Thanksgiving; Ramadan and Eid Mubarak,
Gail Nestel
M'ED Candidate
Leadership, Studies
Faculty of Education
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC.
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Kingston
September 16, 2008 at 10:20 a.m.
Calm down.
While it is obviously not the perfect situation for Jewish Canadians there are others ways to vote. Simply mail your vote in or go to the advance polling station in your riding.
You'd think a "political studies major and Canadian politics junkie" would at least mention this possibility.