In an era of chaos, voters should seek stability

Voters of Ontario, it is time to choose. And time to choose carefully.

The decision to be made in Thursday’s provincial election will be a tough one because there is no perfect choice before us. But a choice must be made and a government will be chosen, however imperfect it is.

This is arguably the most important Ontario vote in recent decades, falling in a time of worldwide danger and disruption. Sitting out this election by staying home, spoiling a ballot or voting for “None of the Above” is not a viable option for any civic-minded citizen.

A global trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump could hammer Ontario’s beleaguered manufacturing sector. Things would get worse if Canada’s North American Free Trade Agreement with America and Mexico collapses, as it might.

With the Great Recession of 2008-09 nearly a decade behind us, another economic downturn could be waiting around the corner. And with the Ontario government burdened by the world’s greatest debt for a subnational jurisdiction, the situation is precarious — regardless of who wins this election.

So which party can best rise to the challenges ahead? We do know that 15 years of Liberal rule are destined to end, an outcome even Premier Kathleen Wynne has accepted as inevitable.

Yet the two major alternatives offer limited consolation in an increasingly polarized political landscape. On the right is a Progressive Conservative Party with an erratic populist — Doug Ford — as its leader and a ramshackle platform that has not been fully costed.

On the left is a New Democratic Party captained by the more congenial Andrea Horwath, but encumbered by rigid doctrine and spending-spree plans that would shackle a new generation of Ontarians with even more unsustainable debt.

In this era of unreason and instability, we would counsel Waterloo Region voters to seek reason and stability. Support the candidates who best know this community and can represent our interests, whether in government or opposition.

In Kitchener Centre, Daiene Vernile, the Liberal incumbent and current Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, is worthy of support. The intelligence and consistency she has brought to office are as impressive as her commitment to serving her constituents.

In Waterloo riding, New Democrat incumbent Catherine Fife is a passionate social activist who would fully deserve a cabinet portfolio if she and her party win.

In Cambridge riding, the Liberals’ Kathryn McGarry is a solid incumbent. Her cabinet experience, most recently as Transportation Minister, would be valued at Queen’s Park regardless of which party governs.

In Kitchener-Conestoga riding, we are alarmed and dismayed by how the Progressive Conservatives’ top brass ousted their incumbent MPP, Michael Harris, from their caucus and as a candidate. They then named as the riding’s PC candidate Mike Harris Jr., son of former premier Mike Harris. These unseemly machinations were a disservice to democracy.

Finally, because Kitchener South-Hespeler is a new riding, it has no incumbent. PC candidate Amy Fee appears to have the most seasoned political resumé. However, voters should also check out the NDP, Liberal and Green candidates. Each has a demonstrated commitment to public and community service. It’s worth drilling into their platforms to see how they fit your view of the community.

There is still time to become informed and engaged. Come Thursday, every responsible citizen in this democracy will participate in its single, most important act — voting.