Rural Canadians need to be a persistent voice

Economic hardships often are the best motivators for change. Rural Western Canada became involved with the political hemisphere during the Great Depression. This involvement wavered until the National Energy Program, when it came back in full force.

Currently, a new revival of political participation can be found, especially in Alberta. Causes of this can be attributed to the economic downturn as a result of low oil prices, coupled with a new political party governing for the first time in 44 years. With legislation such as the Carbon Tax and Bill 6, many in rural Alberta have felt alienated. Arguments can be made about difference in ideologies, but the overarching issue seems to be the lack in political participation.

Involvement in the political system is a tool that needs to be used more frequently in rural Canada. By not continually exercising this right, Canadians are doing themselves a disservice. While pessimists will argue the futility of trying to engage with the system, the alternative is far worse. It is much more effective to be a constant force in the system than to only come out in mass with torches during hardships. This requires engagement not just during elections. Becoming a member of the political party you support (or the one you hate the least) is a great start. It is harder to ignore a group than it is an individual.

If rural Canadians wish to be heard, they must be a persistent voice, rather than intermittent outbursts. As a result, the demographic becomes much harder to ignore.

Matthew Kiemele

Rumsey, AB.