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Federal election was sound investment in democracyur federal election this Monday costThe election was one paigned for a majorityOur heated debates aboutus millions. Politics aside, was thisof the most exciting in government and exceed-our philosophical differencesOa good investment? Did we get goodDodecades and for two of ed that 155-seat require-llarsvaare a better solution than lue? In a word, yes. We got a bargain.the parties rather humil-ment by 12. In his vic-&We will consider the facts and then seeiating. The Liberals and tory speech, Harperbullets and massacres. Wehow our democratic process can be athe Bloc Quebecois reached out to the entireare being courted, while othersSensemodel for the many foreign countries. Wewhere crushed.country by saying theyare bullied by rulers who canare truly fortunate to live in Canada.Both leaders must govern for allBy Peter WatsonThe initiaeasily take lives.l reaction to the election beingaddressed the country Canadians includingcalled was that Canadians did not want toand were complimenta-those who had not votedreturn to the polls. We have had four fed-ry and respectful of their for them.ties. As of Election Day, more than 1.5 mil-eral elections in the past seven years.political opponents as well as the CanadiansIs our system perfect? No; far from it.Our lion people had participated.last election in 2008 cost close towho handed them their defeat. NeitherBut it is not bad by comparison. We had a thirty-seven day country-wide$300 million. This time the prediction wasmanaged to be re-elected in their respec-Winston Churchill summed it up per-conversation about the direction in whichthat it would cost more say $400 mil-tive ridings.fectly in 1947 with his now-famous quote.we wanted to head. The separatists pro-lion. That is expensive. Or is it?By the next morning, both leadersIndeed, it has been said that democracy isWclaimed their interest to have Quebec suc-e have to remember there are approx-announced their resignations. They leftthe worst form of government, except forceed.imately 34 million Canadians, so the costpolitics graciously.all others that have been tried from time tofor each of us was only The Liberals talked about more spend-$12.Contrast our democratic process withtime.Wing to provide more immediate benefitse were engaged in the election processwhat goes on in many other countries.Think of the cost of our election as oneand then they were outflanked by the NDPfar more than we have been in the past.Some leaders react harshly to citizens thatof the best investments we could havewhose popular leader Jack Layton won theAdvanced poll turnout was 34 per centoppose their political power and policies.made. Freedom for $12 per citizen. What aadmiration of many. The Conservativeshigher than our last election and theThousands of vulnerable protesters havebargain. continued to preach a fiscally responsibleyounger voters paid more attention. been massacred by their own armies.Oh Canada, glorious and free.Despite tapproach. he initial voter apathy over anOur heated debates about our philo- Submitted by Peter Watson, MBA,The parties spent millions of dollars andunwanted election, voter turnout was up asophical differences are a better solutionCFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI. In 1991, Peterworked very hard. The leaders crossed thefew percentage points to 61 per cent.than bullets and massacres. We are beingfounded Peter Watson Investments incountry in order to promote themselvesVote Compass, an online survey con-courted, while others are bullied by rulersOakville. Peter can be reached at 905-842-and their ideas to the voters. It was a fiveducted by the CBC was designed to matchwho can easily take lives.2100 or visit the website at www.peterwat-week gentle, respectful sales process.our views with the different political par-Prime Minister Steven Harper had cam-soninvestments.com.Q: How can I get my body beach-ready in time for summer?Patsy Commisso R0HP,RNCPClinic DirectorA: With summer and its skin-baring shorts, tanks, and bathing suits just around the corner, this is the question thats on many peoples minds right now! And after a long, sluggish winter now s the perfect time to start Q:Whats in that Big Yellow Bag?powering up your nutrition and fitness routine to help you achieve Great efforts have been made by Greenhorizons over the years your summer weight loss goal. There are a few key principles A:you should keep in mind to help your journey to be more suc-to fi nd premium, natural garden ingredients. 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