From Couch to Catastrophe: How Canada's Distaste for Politicians is Ruining Our Representative Democracy

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Martha Gellhorn was an American novelist, travel writer, and journalist who is considered one of the great war correspondents of the 20th century.

In a time when cynicism and skepticism seem to dominate our discourse, it’s imperative that we, as Canadian citizens, take a step back and reconsider our attitudes toward politics and politicians. If Canada is to flourish as a beacon of representative government, led by visionary leaders, we must abandon our jaded outlook and engage earnestly in the democratic process. The corrosive effects of cynicism, sourness, and contempt for politicians and parties are eroding the very foundations of our society. Instead of passively complaining about the state of affairs, it's time for us to roll up our sleeves and support the candidates who truly embody the values and vision we wish to see in our leadership.

Great leaders do not emerge in a vacuum; they are nurtured and supported by an engaged and informed electorate. This means that as citizens, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves about the political system, understand the issues at stake, and critically evaluate the platforms and capabilities of those running for office. It’s not enough to simply cast a vote every few years and then retreat into disillusionment. Democracy requires active participation, ongoing dialogue, and a commitment to holding our leaders accountable in constructive ways.

The future of Canada depends on our willingness to invest time and effort into the political process. Attend town hall meetings, volunteer for campaigns, and engage in meaningful conversations with your neighbors about the direction we want our country to take. By supporting great candidates—those who demonstrate integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to public service—we can ensure that our government reflects the best of what Canada has to offer.

We have to challenge ourselves to look beyond the headlines and sound bites that often skew our perceptions of politicians. Take the time to research and understand the complexities of policy decisions and the constraints within which our leaders operate. Real change is often incremental and requires patience and perseverance.

Here’s a recent Canadian study of reasons why people say they don’t even VOTE, let alone get involved in the process of representative government.

Too busy?

Not Interested in Politics?

Don’t like the political system?

Think all politicians are bad?

It is childish for citizens to excuse themselves from voting by indulging in fantasies of alternate systems of government. Such distractions only serve to undermine the very real and immediate power we have to influence our society through participation in our representative democracy. Instead of shirking this responsibility, we should maturely engage with the system we have, striving to improve it from within. Voting is not just a right but a duty, and neglecting it in favor of idle speculation about utopian alternatives is a disservice to ourselves and our community. It's time to grow up, step up, and make our voices heard where it matters.

“The first duty of a citizen of a democratic community is to educate themself and to acquire the knowledge needed for dealing with civic affairs. The franchise is not a privilege but a duty and a moral responsibility. The voter is virtually an officeholder; their office is the supreme one and implies the highest obligation.”

Ludwig Von Mises

Engaged, positive, active citizenship will not only empower great leaders but also reinforce the values of democracy, accountability, and transparency that underpin our society. Let’s move beyond being lazy cynics who scoff from the sidelines and become active participants in shaping the future of our nation. The health of our democracy depends on it. We can rise to the occasion, smarten up, enjoy the task at hand, and imagine better times ahead. Together, we can build a Canada that is truly representative, inclusive, and led by individuals who inspire trust and respect.