Letters to the editor: Reluctant voter will Think Twice this time

Dear editor, There are tons of reasons why I love living in the Halton Hills-Erin area, but voting in federal elections is not one of them. Until Canada adopts proportional representation, my votes usually don't count. In this election, many Canadians are saying, `It's time for a change', and leaning toward leader Stephen Harper and his Conservatives. But my Canada does not include tearing up the Kyoto Accord, which sets out a desperately needed blueprint for action on climate change. It does not include rollback of the landmark national child care program recently negotiated with all 10 provinces. My Canada does not include a health care system that is commercialized and privatized, or joining George Bush in his next misguided war in the Middle East. My Canada does include decent housing programs for low income and homeless Canadians, and accessible fees for college and university students. It does include a new national strategy for people with disabilities, pay equity legislation, and the agreement just achieved with First Nations at the Aboriginal Summit, targeting funds to alleviate a housing and health care crisis for some of Canada's most vulnerable citizens. It's not my usual choice, but this election, I'm voting Liberal in Wellington-Halton Hills. I urge all citizens who think it's time for a change to visit the Web site of the non-partisan coalition, Think Twice on January 23 (www.thinktwicecanada.ca), which encourages all Canadians to vote strategically this federal election. Liz Armstrong, Erin