My mother always says "If you don't vote you can't complain." With a Federal Election just around the corner, it's time to us to get out there and vote! Government is an enormous funder for the charity sector. Even if your charity doesn't get any money from the Federal Government, the government makes policy decisions that impact the areas you care about.
With six parties running in this election and polls suggesting that there could be a minority government, this year is a particularly important one for voting. Not sure who to vote for? Here are some resources for you.
Charity sector information
Imagine Canada has done an outstanding job of rallying great, relevant resources for charities all on their Election Hub. Whether it is broader issues, or ones that are specific to the part of the sector you care the most about, the Election Hub is a great, one-stop shop. The Hub has relevant information from other organizations as well as Imagine. [Full disclosure, I am a volunteer with Imagine Canada]
Parties and platforms
Still not sure what you think? The CBC has this handy index of the party platforms for the parties who were part of the televised debates - in alphabetical order, Bloc Québécois, Conservative, Green, Liberal, New Democrat, and People's Party.
More interested in supporting one party and not sure where to start? Vote Compass at the CBC has this handy quiz that lets you find the party that is the closest for for you. You can weigh the issues you care the most about to help you make your choice.
Where to vote on October 21 (or before)
Can't take time off work to vote on Monday, October 21? Religious holiday and can't vote? Advance (early) polls are now open. Elections Canada has a comprehensive website with information on how to find where you should go to vote, the hours for advance voting, and answers to any other questions you may have.
No matter who wins next week, the impact of this election will touch us all. One of the most important things you can do is vote and ensure that the issues you care about are properly represented in the next Federal government. Remember, if you don't vote, you can't complain!
Ann Rosenfield is the Editor of Hilborn Charity eNews. Her children both used Vote Compass to help decide how to vote.
