I have to hope

Like many Canadians, I have spent a lot of time over the last five weeks following the election. Asking what are the big issues? What will change? What will stay the same?

Somewhere along the line, I allowed myself to hope that when all was said and done, we’d be heading towards a better Canada. Over the last several weeks, CPJ has explored the importance of values and vision in informing our vote. We’ve looked at the economy, the environment, and poverty as important issues to consider. We’ve also talked a lot about the importance of active citizenship – of civic engagement that goes beyond elections.

With $300 million spent on the election, the lowest voter turnout in Canadian history (just 59.1%), and fewer than 40 seats changing hands, it is difficult not to be at least a little cynical about the whole process. So what now? I suppose that in many ways, we must go on as we had been going before. As people of faith, we must continue to project a public justice voice, to express love for our neighbour and to seek the common good. We must continue to engage MPs (both in government and in opposition) in conversations that focus on the values of justice, compassion, and care for the marginalized and the earth. We must also continue to mobilize progressively-minded Canadians to speak up.

And, at the end of the day, we need to continue to hope for better.