
Opinion: The election is just the beginning
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.

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The Province
3 hours ago
- The Province
Canada denounces Hong Kong's bounties on pro-democracy advocates living abroad
Four Canadians on new list of 19 people, including previously accused Victor Ho Published Jul 27, 2025 • 3 minute read Victor Ho was among the four Canadians on a list of 19 people for whom Hong Kong has issue new arrest warrants and bounties for pro-democracy activism. Canada is condemning the action, calling it "transnational repression." Photo by Richard Lam/Postmedia/File The Canadian government is condemning Hong Kong's law enforcement authorities after they issued bounties and warrants for 19 pro-democracy activists, some of whom live in Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors In a joint statement, federal Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Saturday that Canada will not tolerate what it describes as an attempt for Hong Kong 'to conduct transnational repression abroad.' The statement came after Hong Kong police announced Friday warrants and rewards for 19 activists for 'suspected contravention' of its National Security Law for their roles in promoting self-determination in the Chinese special administrative region. Some of the activists named, including Canadian Victor Ho, already faced warrants stemming from an announcement from Hong Kong in December and have a HK$1 million reward for information for their arrests. 'The new warrant … will help to draw more attention for (the) international community to realize that the transnational repression of (China) is so toxic and dangerous to normal people on exercising freedom of expression and speech,' Ho said in a text message to The Canadian Press. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ho added he was not surprised to hear his name on the new warrant list again, and the best policy on handling the situation is 'to keep everyday business as usual as possible.' The new list of 19 people added at least three other Canadian residents to the list with rewards of HK$200,000 offered, including Vancouver-based activist Keung Ka-wai. Keung said while he is somewhat concerned about his safety, he does not plan to stop his work in the Hong Kong democratic movement as he has already been arrested nine times and jailed twice for his participation before leaving for Canada. 'It is very important to us because that is our dream,' Keung said of the pro-democracy movement. 'And we have to do what must be done to develop the democracy of Hong Kong. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I think it is really important to me and to every Hong Konger.' Hong Kong police said in its announcement that they are calling on those on the wanted list to return and turn themselves in instead of 'making more mistakes,' but Keung said he has no plans to do so. Ho agreed, adding that he is not concerned about his personal safety and has cut off all contact with Hong Kong family members since last year, and Global Affairs Canada has reached out to find out how many people living in the country are being targeted. In their joint statement, Anand and Anandasangaree criticized the warrants and say Canada 'stands in solidarity' with other 'international partners whose citizens and residents have also been affected by the new development,' which it calls an 'act of transnational repression.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The individuals targeted yesterday under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law in Hong Kong include Canadians and people with close ties to Canada,' their statement said. 'Canada reiterates its previous calls to repeal this law, which violates Hong Kong's international human rights obligations, and withdraw all related warrants and bounties.' Back in December, Ho responded in a Facebook post to his name being on the then-announced wanted list as the 'best Christmas present.' 'A Canadian citizen like me … has the protection of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and exercised his right to the freedom of speech,' said Ho, who is the former editor-in-chief of the Sing Tao Daily newspaper. Ho helped launched a plan in Canada to elect an unofficial 'Hong Kong parliament' in 2022, and the organizers' Facebook page says voting wrapped in June and garnered 15,702 total votes. — with files from The Associated Press Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Vancouver Whitecaps BC Lions Vancouver Whitecaps News NHL


Edmonton Journal
5 hours ago
- Edmonton Journal
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Vancouver Sun
6 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
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The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. City council didn't dare to accept the funds and later renege on the feds' conditions, Drew says: 'We basically walked away from $30 million because we refused to succumb, or be co-opted into something we felt was bad for the community.' Then-Liberal MP for Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore, Irek Kusmierczyk (who lost the 2025 election by just four votes to Conservative MP Kathy Borrelli), implored Windsor's city council to reconsider, insisting the feds were only asking for 'gentle density.' It's not so gentle, Drew counters, if you find yourself living next door to a new four-plex and you bought your house based on the community's single-family residential character. 'We did it in our way,' Drew explains in a recent conversation, 'because there's no one who knows their community better, no level of government that knows their community better,' than the local council. 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Drew has previously worked with Gregor Robertson, former mayor of Vancouver and now Carney's point man on housing and infrastructure. He's optimistic Robertson will bring practical insights about the correlation between affordable housing and density to the federal table. I noted that if increased density brought affordability, Vancouver would be cheap by now. 'I think the benefit of having a fresh government,' Drew offers, 'is they can come in and say, 'Listen, we looked at the program … while we appreciate the intention the past government was trying to employ here, we think there's a better way of working with municipalities, allowing them the flexibility to determine how to accomplish the goal. We'll set the goals and then we'll hold them to account.'' Drew's suggestion echoes what I heard Pierre Poilievre say in the last election campaign. But, we agree, there's nothing wrong with the Liberals stealing good ideas from the Conservatives. 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'We had the battery factory well under construction,' Drew reports, 'and we've got the Gordie Howe bridge that is winding up construction and should open officially the first week of December this year. 'But the reality is, there's a lot of fear here,' he shares. 'Our unemployment rate was almost 11 per cent and people are in rainy day mode. People are pinching their pennies … The housing market is very slow and everyone's just in a wait-and-see mode.' Property developers are on standby, he says, waiting to see if the Carney Liberals will cut development charges by 50 per cent at the municipal level (as promised during the election campaign), and whether the feds will offer low-interest loans for multi-storey residential units. 'Things have just kind of ground to a halt here,' Drew says with a sigh. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .