Karen Shillington: Why I’m running with the NDP in Vancouver Centre
Why am I running as the NDP candidate in Vancouver Centre? I am running because I am deeply concerned about the future of Canada. Stephen Harper’s government fell because all the other parties found the Conservatives in contempt of Parliament. It speaks to the dangerous precedent set by the Conservatives of withholding information from the House of Commons and seemingly thinking that they don’t have to play by the rules.
Yet the Liberals aren’t much better. From the scandals that brought down Paul Martin, to the Liberals voting in favour of the HST and corporate tax cuts, to their historic vote eliminating a national housing strategy way back in 1995, the Liberals have ripped the heart out of our social safety net. The devastation created by the ruling parties is etched in the face of every homeless person you see every day on the street. There must be a better way.
I am running for the NDP as they are the only credible national party that has a social conscience. The Green party has great ideas but in our first-past-the-post system, they will be relegated to also-rans. It’s unfortunate but true.
I completely understand the ABC crowd (anyone but Conservative) and the emphasis in the last few elections on so-called strategic voting, but I wonder if sacrificing principles doesn’t just make people more cynical of the whole political process. Let’s face it. When there is low voter turn-out, “none of the above” wins by default. And that’s just not good enough. Maybe those of us who have a passion for politics have been guilty of not engaging the rest of us for whom an election call seems little more than a nuisance. Still, like it or loathe it, politics really does affect all of our lives. Rick Mercer’s rant about political parties not targetting voters under the age of 25 is sadly accurate.
My wish is not simply that more people vote but that they do so after careful consideration of what values they hold dear and what vision of Canada they hold for the future. I think they’ll find the planks in the NDP platform to be caring, compassionate, and yes, even affordable. Voters already know that Jack Layton is a leader they can trust. I hope the voters in Vancouver Centre consider voting with their heart and vote for me and the NDP.
Karen Shillington is the NDP candidate for Vancouver Centre.
Comments
12 Comments
LTD.Edition
Apr 4, 2011 at 3:22pm
The comment about the greens from a Candidate in Vancouver centre is telling.
In Vancouver Centre the 2nd highest polling Candidate is Adrian Carr, the first is Hedy Fry, followed by the NDP... at least the last time I checked a Vancouver centre specific poll.
The conservatives don't stand a chance in that riding so ABC doesn't come into play at all for the area... these comments she made shows she's out of touch with the reality of the situation in her riding.
VancouverRez
Apr 4, 2011 at 4:14pm
Karen Shillington is so out of touch. First, this is such a poorly written op-ed. She needs to go back to school. Second, she needs to get the facts straight. This women doesn't even come close to caliber of person required to represent Canadians.
Martha Smith
Apr 4, 2011 at 5:08pm
I'm glad that a community activist is running against Hedy Fry. Fry has done nothing for our community at the grassroots level. At least with Karen, we know we have a dedicated and passionate individual who is ready to serve our community and bring our voice to Ottawa. Unlike Hedy, who continues to cash her pay cheques without earning them.
Bruno15
Apr 5, 2011 at 6:31am
Seems like a nice woman but compassion for the poor shouldn't be the only arrow in one's quiver when running for federal office.
Westender
Apr 5, 2011 at 11:09am
Karen Shillington and Jack Layton have my vote!
Dan Clay
Apr 5, 2011 at 1:14pm
you have my vote.
Adrian Carr is fiscally conservative. I wish people would consider , that greens are not like the greens in Germany. I will not vote for hedy. My concerns are always met with form letters that dont help the situation.
Her govt and Harper's govt both cut the housing program funding.Premier COnbell actually a conservative also dragged his feet on social housing. We still have a national homelessness problem. Purchasing war machines would fund social housing OVER and OVER. These NEO cons like Scampbell Hate the poor, and their ideology makes war on the poor. Harper is a neo con and will not get into this Van center riding.
BC BORN
Apr 5, 2011 at 7:25pm
WESTERN CANADAN BC we need a whole new out look
called (we the people party) the ones that struggle every day with puppet management.
the people running this country don,t give a hoot about you right now
the rich and wealthy are laughing at our rut as they know its only money that can help us and they decided not to then bash us with taking more money from us till we owe them and can never repay slave for life .
right where they want us every body but them suffers
so why would they care they are ok and keeping us this was the majority
they control your lives and your future
but thats ok they can buy dinner at the best resturaunts while down the block ,some down on his luck out of work construction worker or disabled,or old age person hasnt got a loaf of bread
these idiots take us to our grave and you all allow it
IM SCREAMING I HOPE YOU DO THE SAME STOP ALL RUNNING PARTYS AND WE WILL PICK WHO AND FOR WHAT JOB AND WHAT LEVEL OF GOUVERNMENT THEY SHALL HOLD
THEY ARE ALL NOT QUALIFIED TO RUN A ICECREAM STAND NEVER MIND ANY THING ELSE
VOTE THE LITTLE GUY DON,T GET STEAM ROLLED
dougp
Apr 5, 2011 at 10:09pm
I'm with Karen & Jack. As Martha Smith points out: "I'm glad that a community activist is running against Hedy Fry. Fry has done nothing for our community at the grassroots level... Hedy, who continues to cash her pay cheques without earning them."
LaHedy is so far past her 'best before' date it ain't funny - showing up in silver body paint @ pride doesn't cut the mustard.
Canada's New Democrats get my vote!
Warren
Apr 7, 2011 at 11:55pm
Karen has been a friend for MANY years. We've argued politics all the way along.
But after being disabled and dealing with a system that marginalizes the poor I totally agree with her. I paid into the Canada Pension plan for 35 years and through a technicality in the legislation I don't get a dime.
My vote is for Karen.
Ernest C.
Apr 8, 2011 at 6:27pm
The first 2 comments look like astroturfing/SEO at its clumsiest; hastily-posted comments using an identically-worded talking point to mis-characterise Ms. Shillington...a technique so often used by people guilty of the very thing they attack with. Out of touch? That would be Ms. Fry - invisible except at election time and even then afraid of (or simply unqualified and so prevented by her masters from) participating in candidate debates. Or in fairness, the opportunist Ms. Clarke as well - thinking for a minute that she has any credibility in this riding after her humiliation as a mayoral candidate.