Why should we care? It’s a question I'm often asked when it comes to politics. If we are truly honest, it’s a question I think even politicians ask themselves once and a while.
The fact is politics, as imperfect as it is, is important in our lives. From ensuring the garbage is picked up at the end of the driveway, to ensuring that the emergency room is open, and a doctor, nurse, or technician is there when you are in need it is the political arena that ultimately makes the decisions which determine how and if so many services are delivered.
A recent article in the journal of the Canadian Parliamentary Association pointed out the staggering decline in voter turnout in Canada. The same holds true in Nova Scotia.
Indeed in local municipal elections a 50 percent turnout is almost cause for celebration. It’s a sad state of affairs.
While there are many reasons for low voter turnout, I think public distaste for politics must be a key reason for the general apathy during elections.
Liberal leader Stephen McNeil, like many of us in caucus, has spent some time of late meeting with people all over Nova Scotia. Stephen has had the same experience as I have with many voters coming up and complaining that yet again they have same old same old government.
It’s time for change. Dexter promised change in the way politics are done. Every indication I have, and based on what I've seen, this government is less cooperative than previous governments. Quite the opposite of what was promised. As well Dexter promised to work with the opposition on at least some of our bills, another promise which has fallen flat.
If politicians truly want to turn around public apathy, get people involved, and increase voter turnout then politics must change. Holding public consultation that is staged to achieve a pre-determined response with little time for public input such as the Back to Balance sessions won't cut it. Likewise making any promise just to get elected - no matter how irresponsible or unsupportable - is also not going to cut it.
Politics could become irrelevant in Nova Scotia if things don't change. We have to work together to turn things around. But the government must also get on board and live up to their commitments of change.
