Opinion: The election is just the beginning

Winnipeg Free Press

08-05-2025

Opinion
A few weeks ago, I did something I hadn't done in almost two decades. I went door knocking for a political candidate in my riding. Even more surprising? The candidate represented a party I had never voted for before, not even at the provincial level.
Like many others, I found myself in unfamiliar political territory this federal election. House after house, I spoke with people rethinking their political affiliations, not because they were giving up on politics, but because they were paying closer attention than ever before.
Many were worried. Some were terrified. But most importantly, they were all informed.
A woman walking her dogs stopped us on the sidewalk to ask who we were campaigning for. She said she came from a political family and her father was a well-known provincial Tory. This time, for the first time, she was voting Liberal, with Ben Carr earning her support. I told her Ben was the right choice.
Conversations at the door were animated. Voters knew the platforms, they knew where and when to vote, and they were deeply engaged. Some were eager to test our knowledge of our candidate's platform while others gave us political history lessons dating back to the 1970s. Many pointed to the unsettling developments in the United States as a wake-up call for us here in Canada.
In a democracy, it's easy to fall into political inertia and assume our vote doesn't matter. I'm embarrassed to admit there have been two elections where I didn't vote. Sorry, dad.
My father was raised in a place where democratic principles weren't always followed in practice. From a young age, he instilled in us the value, and privilege, of participating in a truly democratic process.
I've carried that lesson with me, even in the moments when I chose to not act on it. And maybe that's why this election hit differently, because it felt like a return to something important, something worth protecting.
Something had shifted. Neighbours who once kept their politics private were now proudly displaying billboard-sized signs. Liberal red and white were suddenly everywhere in my neighbourhood where party loyalty had long been more hush-hush.
Elections Canada reported that nearly 70 per cent of eligible Canadians voted, the highest turnout since 1993. That's encouraging. But it also raises a question: where were the other 30 per cent?
What keeps a third of eligible voters from casting a ballot? Is it disillusionment? Distrust? A belief that nothing ever changes?
Whatever the reason, we can't afford to ignore it. A democracy is only as strong as the number of people who participate.
While I was hopeful seeing the engagement at the doors, I worry about what happens next. Will we keep paying attention now that the signs are gone? Will we stay informed without debates and platforms to compare? Will we keep talking to our neighbours about the kind of country we want? Or will we pat ourselves on the back for keeping Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre out and turn our attention to hockey playoffs and summer plans?
The truth is the job isn't done. It's only just begun.
Holding a government to account doesn't happen every four years, it happens every day. It happens when we speak up, write letters, attend town halls, and show up for causes that matter. The political process extends far beyond voting.
It happens when we read beyond the headlines, follow credible news sources, call out misinformation, and advocate for policies that reflect our values.
Knowing what's credible in an age where misinformation spreads like wildfire is a certainly a challenge.
You can look for news organizations that are transparent about their sources, that issue corrections when they get things wrong, and that distinguish opinion from reporting. Be skeptical of sensational headlines or stories that align too neatly with your worldview.
Crosscheck stories across multiple news outlets. Staying informed isn't just about consuming news, it's about questioning where it comes from. This is a time to put those critical thinking skills to use, my friends.
So, if you voted this time — especially if it was your first — don't let that be the end of your political engagement. Let it be the beginning. Stay involved. Keep asking questions. Keep expecting better. Demand it. Politicians work for you. Hold them accountable.
For the record, despite the red wave that overtook the country, I campaigned for and cast my ballot for Leah Gazan, who has proven to be a true champion for Winnipeg Centre. Sometimes, partisan politics need to be put aside when there are individuals who truly make a difference and fight for the values we hold dear.
Samantha Turenne is a Winnipeg writer.