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Thread: We need more partisanship in Canadian politics.
In 2013, 4% of Canadians belonged to a political party or group.
Within that 4%, people with incomes > $80,000.00 are 34% of the total, compared to 20% of the population in this income range.
In 2013, 4% of Canadians belonged to a political party or group.
Within that 4%, people with incomes > $80,000.00 are 34% of the total, compared to 20% of the population in this income range.
There are many cynical and negative views out there about political parties and what it means to be a partisan, which I don't think are helpful.
Party membership is not a declaration of undying loyalty to every political decision and policy proposal that a party makes.
Party membership is not a declaration of undying loyalty to every political decision and policy proposal that a party makes.
Joining a party is an expression of shared values and shared purpose. By joining the party that most closely matches your values, you get a voice in decisions the party makes that impact the entire country: policy direction and who is put forward as a candidate in your riding.
I think that more party engagement among the population would make our democracy healthier and certainly make it more difficult for interest groups and fringe voices to impact Canadian society. Sometimes when the stakes are high, decisions are impacted by a tiny group.
In the 2018 Ontario PC leadership race the 9,344 people who voted for Tanya Granic-Allen on the first ballot had an outsized influence on who won the race and, ultimately, who became Premier of Ontario. 25% of the "points" that gave Ford a victory came from Granic-Allen voters.
If Ontario had more mass participation in partisan politics, it would be more difficult for those with views like Granic-Allen's to have such a significant impact. If you think that would be a good thing, and you're not a member of a political party, please consider joining one.
