Democracy Canadian Style
The recent Canadian election has strengthened my conviction about the short-comings of the democratic system of government. But why should it not be so! The people, who developed the system, over many years, are imperfect and will remain so forever.
Winston Churchill stated in one of his many speeches in the British house of commons “ Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the other forms that have been tried from time to time”
The theory behind the democratic system is that people will choose from a nominated group of candidates and vote for the person best for themselves and the country. The parties will put forward people who are capable, and best represent their programs. The problem of course, is that all citizens over 18 have the right to vote, and most have only the vaguest idea about the persons they vote for. If that is not bad enough, the parties with limited chance of winning an area, put up any candidate in order for them to say they fielded people in all ridings, and of course, to pocket the $1.50 for every vote they get.
And so we get a situation where a 26 year old woman, in the Quebec riding of Berthier-Masinange is elected. She admits to never having set foot in the riding, not speaking French and became a candidate at the behest of a friend.
There was some speculation after the election , when she was not seen publicly, that she did not want the job. Not very likely!. Her regular job is as assistant-manager in a bar at a much lower salary.
There is something to be said about the “Charm and Absurdity” of the Canadian Parliamentary system when a person can get elected, having never made an appearance in the riding in order to be judged by the voters
