Words cannot fully convey the depth of relief that came with the election of Barack Obama. Finally, a chance for America, Canada and the world to prosper. But I couldn't help feel a little envious of the progressives in the USA. I mean, wow, you hit the jackpot with Obama. Truly. You not only have a Democrat in the White House, but a young, intelligent, rational one who inspires the nation.
What have your socialist neighbors to the north been up to, you are probably (not) wondering. Well, we just re-elected our right-wing Conservative party to a minority government. Our Prime Minister has been reassuring us that we will avoid a recession... maybe. He's neglecting to put together a stimulus package, instead spending his time revoking our right to strike and manipulating campaign funding laws to his advantage. Our universal health care is slowly being eroded, and the oil sands are spewing unfathomable amounts of pollution into our air, earth, and water.
All hope is not lost, however: the NDP and Liberal party have reportedly formed a coalition over the weekend, which after jumping through some hoops, should give us a new government and a new Prime Minister. Canadian progressives need to take this as a cue to become more involved and help forge the path of change.
It was an odd experience, watching the American election as a Canadian. My heart and mind were fully engrossed in the details of the process, and the potential of the outcomes; I practically had kos and HuffPo on auto-reload. Barack Obama's speeches brought me to tears and filled me with hope, while everything about Sarah Palin made me want to projectile vomit. I pondered the issues in the debates, and endlessly discussed them with anyone who would listen. But I couldn't do a damn thing to support the man who I desperately wanted to win; all I could do was cross my fingers, have faith in the voters, and wait for election day.
The rule of America effects even the far corners of the earth, but I would argue that Canada feels her weight more acutely than almost all other countries. We share a porous border, over which flows abundant people, goods, and ideas. Our economies are extensively woven together, and our national security is codependent. When America prospers, Canada prospers. When America screws the economy, trashes the environment, violates the consitution, and murders over a million foreigners... well, we elect a conservative government, and timidly follow you to the apocalypse. But, if we're polite and have universal health care (for now), it's all good, right?
So when America gets it right, what's a good neighbor to do? Well, we can support this new NDP/Liberal coalition and its bid to govern our country, to start. Once they are in power (fingers crossed), here are a few things I would like to see addressed soon:
- Economy. All the things that the smart people say to do are of course in order. Some small things that would help me out personally are a cap on credit card interest rates, meaningful tax relief for middle-class families, and giving me somewhere safe to put some money (tax-free savings accounts?).
- Protection of our universal health care by pushing back against privatization. This should be a no-brainer, but after years of American for-profit companies vying to make a profit off an additional 30 million people, there are some among us who think it's a good idea. There are problems for sure in our health care system, but I sleep better at night knowing that no matter what happens, I will not suffer for lack of care when I need it most. We have been too soft on this issue, especially considering that it is part of our national identity.
- Innovation in energy technology. We are blessed with abundant natural resources other than oil, let's put them to good use. Give substantial incentives for people to "green" their cars, homes and businesses.
- Commitment to pollution reduction. This starts with scaling back the oil sands, and should include more aggressive emissions targets. Set the bar high, and you'll be amazed at what we can achieve.
- Reform education. Increase pay for good teachers - they are nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. Increase the cap on government student loans to better reflect the current costs of post-secondary education.
- Stay in Afghanistan as long as America needs us there to fight, and aid in peacekeeping and restructuring (after Osama bin Laden is eliminated).
- Continue to invest in stem cell research, and support the public umbilical cord blood bank.
- Aggressively address the problems of Vancouver's downtown eastside. Extend the exemption for Insite, as studies show that it is working. Invest in a new mental health hospital and long-term residence, so that our homeless addicts have a real place to go and receive treatment.
- Decriminalize, then legalize marijuana, and go nuts conducting clinical trials on its benefits, medicinal uses, and adverse effects.
This list is by no means inclusive (or even feasible), but the point is that now is the time to pursue new ideas in Canada. We should be in step with American progressives to enact change, even if we don't have our own Obama to inspire us.
People like me - new to "doing something about it" - could use a good place to start, though. Any advice?