Doug Rogers

I am a Canadian and I am in a kerfuffle.

The current political climate in Canada, and indeed around the world, is a source of frustration for me and many others. The polarization of politics into extreme left and right factions leaves a significant portion of the population feeling unrepresented and disillusioned. The middle ground, which historically has been a place of compromise and unity, seems to be disappearing or has disappeared altogether.

In Canada, the upcoming federal election presents a dilemma for voters who find themselves caught between the extreme right-wing policies of the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre and the uncertain future of the Liberal Party following Justin Trudeau’s resignation. The Conservatives’ alignment with Trump-like policies is troubling for those who value progressive ideals and international cooperation. Especially now that the US President has created so much turmoil for Canada and indeed the entire world. On the other hand, the Liberal Party’s leadership is a vacuum with a lack of inspiring candidates that make it difficult to see them as a viable alternative.

Trudeau’s tenure, while marked by significant achievements, as well as significant low points, has been criticized for its reactive nature. It often seems that it takes a crisis, like the threats posed by Trump, to spur the government into action. This reactive approach is reminiscent of a patient who only adopts a healthy lifestyle after suffering a heart attack. It raises the question: do we, as a society, need a catastrophe to motivate us to act?

The complacency that comes with prolonged periods of health, wealth, and peace may have contributed to our current predicament. We have become comfortable, perhaps too comfortable, and in doing so, we have allowed extreme voices to dominate the political landscape. We have a highly educated population, which should be protective from such extremism, but has instead become susceptible to it.

So, how do we dig ourselves out of this situation? The answer lies in re-engaging with the political process and demanding more from our leaders. We must advocate for policies that reflect the values of the majority, rather than the extremes. This means supporting candidates who prioritize unity and compromise over division and partisanship.

We must also hold our leaders accountable, ensuring that they act proactively rather than reactively. This requires a vigilant and informed electorate, one that is willing to challenge the status quo and push for meaningful change.

While the current political climate is disheartening, it is not insurmountable. We must not give up hope. By re-engaging with the political process and demanding more from our leaders, we can overcome this political heart attack and start living a healthier, more unified existence.

In the meantime – take the time to take care of yourself and your mental health; do not succumb to the negative effects that the current world-wide, right-wing extremes may be having on your health and your life.

Doug Rogers