Canada鈥檚 upcoming federal election on April 28 will be unlike others in living memory.
The next federal government will need to respond to threats to Canadian sovereignty, potential job losses, volatile economic markets and more.
The ever-changing tariff policies imposed by the United States are creating and driving a growing level of uncertainty and unpredictability. The potential fallout is huge.
In the automotive sector alone, there have been predictions of the possibility that half a million jobs could be lost. Losses of this magnitude have a ripple effect, most notably in communities and regions most strongly affected by Canada鈥檚 automotive industry.
Other sectors of the economy will also face significant hits as a result of tariffs imposed by the United States.
The unsettled stock markets and currency exchanges are creating another level of uneasiness, especially for those who are at or near retirement age, expecting to cash in investments to sustain them.
Prices will also be affected by the ongoing tariff war. When tariffs are imposed, costs of goods tend to rise, and consumers 鈥� especially those already on tight budgets 鈥� will need to make some difficult decisions in order to cope.
None of these effects are abstract concepts. They affect workers, families, retirees and others in our communities.
These changes affect people.
Elected officials, chosen by the people to represent and support the people, will have a difficult task in the next federal government. Those elected will have a responsibility to address these serious issues.
For those campaigning, the message must be about what candidates and parties can do for the good of the country, rather than on the shortcomings of a political opponent.
For voters, the decision must be based on which candidates are best equipped to guide Canada through some uncertain and difficult days ahead. This must take precedence over party affiliations.
The House of Commons is no place for single-issue candidates or for members who oppose without offering alternatives. A lot is at stake for Canada in the coming years.
It is up to the voting public to take this election seriously and to consider the best options to address some huge challenges facing the people of Canada.
鈥� Black Press
