Montrealers largely unhappy at having to answer election call
Speaking with voters Monday, it appeared the Liberals would suffer the consequences
The consensus: this was a needless election and, at a cost of $600 million, an unnecessarily extravagant one.
Voter intentions varied wildly among a random selection in Verdun and Westmount, but almost all who offered indicated they weren't casting a ballot for the Liberals, even previous supporters who had no issue with their respective members of Parliament, cabinet ministers David Lametti and Marc Garneau.
There are likely few safer Liberal seats in the country than Garneau's Notre-dame-degrâce—westmount riding. Yet discontent was palpable Monday outside the Victoria Hall polling station.
“This was a complete waste of time and energy. I'm disappointed in our government. I hope they lose,” retired lawyer Paul Dingle stated bluntly.
Dingle's wife, Claire, has different political preferences but concurred on that one count. “We all know who's going to win here anyway,” she said.
“It wouldn't have been my choice to have an election now,” Adrian Maas said. “The existing government had been well supported by the minority parties. They've done a remarkable job navigating through this pandemic.”
Bill Barrett, an antiquarian, echoed similar sentiments: “It's a waste. The more you think about it, the more you wonder what (Trudeau) was thinking.”
Peter Howick also was unamused: “You have to vote with your conscience. My conscience told me this was unnecessary, and I voted with that in mind. And if I'm back here in another year in another election, then I'll really be pissed off.”
“I'm also disappointed,” said Howick's wife, Amy, who voted Green. “It's hard because I've been a devout Liberal since I was 18.”
Howick voted Conservative, although he didn't know the candidate's name. “We all know Garneau's going to get in, but you have to vote what you believe in,” he said.
André Lou didn't mince words: “Liberal politicians are behaving like unvaccinated people: uncaring of others ... only thinking about themselves, wanting their two hands on the wheel.”
Outside the Notre-dame-dessept-douleurs Church polling station on Verdun's Wellington St., Mary Walsh was baffled by the election call: “With COVID, it was a bad, bad idea.”
Previously a Liberal, Walsh, a retired caregiver, voted Conservative in her Lasalle—émard— Verdun riding: “This time I just felt like changing my mind. Go the other way to see what happens.”
Clarice Byrne, Walsh's granddaughter, also had issues with an election during the pandemic: “I think it's a bit bizarre because no one needs a vaccine to vote, but you need one to eat in a restaurant. I'm not yet sure who I'll vote for. But I'm thinking People's Party of Canada ... I think they may come around on vaccines ... I just like people having the liberty to choose.”
Verdun lawyer Josh Crowe was one of the few not averse to the election call: “It's a good opportunity to give Canadians a chance to vote on how this pandemic has been run. There has been a lot of desperation.”
This doesn't mean Crowe supported the Liberals. While choosing not to divulge his vote, he allowed that he liked some Conservative positions.
Colin Placentine had no such reservations. A former Liberal, he was wavering between the NDP and Conservatives: “The Liberals haven't taken account of their promises. I think we were kind of misled.
“The election was quick to come around, but it's important because there are a lot of issues going around. For people my age, it's housing. It's almost impossible to own a house and build equity,” added Placentine, 32, who works for CN.
You have to vote with your conscience. My conscience told me this was unnecessary, and I voted with that in mind.
Last words went to pet-shop worker Rafael Spaleniec and his student girlfriend, Jessica Turpin, who had her adorable pet bearded dragon, Weed, draped on her shoulder. Both opted for the NDP because of the party's commitment to housing and social issues.
“Maybe Weed should have his own political party,” Turpin joked.
“He's a bit lazy, though,” Spaleniec retorted. “He won't do much.”
Draw your own political conclusions.