According
to polling the biggest issue in the Canadian election is “the economy.” Without
context, though, this is meaningless. It provides little insight into what people
really care about or how they will cast their vote.
Do you focus
on balanced budgets, infrastructure spending, day care, manufacturing, the
energy sector, education, the environment, or security? Each could be the most
important part of the national economy in the coming four years. New
infrastructure might bring new industry, jobs, and a growing tax base. Or it
might not. A large terrorist attack like 9/11 might change the country in ways
that we cannot not predict. Or it might not. Global warming might change
weather patterns in ways that will devastate orchards in B.C. and wheat fields
in Saskatchewan. Or it might not. These are big issues. They deserves lots of
thought, dialogue, and consideration.
Entrenched
voters will vote for the party the most represents their world view. Little can
be done to move these folk from one camp to another. Imagine a Trump supporter
in the U.S. moving his vote to another Republican candidate. Trump can’t
possibly say or do anything to alienate his supporters because he has already
said and done it all. Entrenched voters are dug in, hunkered down, and waiting
for the ill-advised enemy to attack.
Undecided
voters, though, vote on small issues, personal issues.
How will
scientists vote? This Conservative government has involved itself in the
practice of science more than previous governments. Specifically, Harper’s
government has changed scientific dialogue by instructing federal scientists to
remain silent, contrary to the usual practice of science which is based on public
dialogue and debate. I wager that the undecided scientists will vote Liberal,
NDP, or Green not because they necessarily are moved by Trudeau, Mulcair, or
May but because they have been moved by Harper. Their vote will be determined
by a small, personal issue.
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