Showing posts with label endorsements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label endorsements. Show all posts

Youth, Politics and the 'Fair Elections' Act

It seems that John Baird isn't the only one scared about their prospects in the 2015 election. In case the plethora of recent attack ads against Justin Trudeau didn't make that obvious enough, review of the proposed 'Fair Elections' act suggests an effort to keep even more young Canadians from voting- despite historic lows in youth political participation! A recent Globe editorial sums it up:"[the] Unfair Elections Act targets the youth Trudeau wants and Harper fears".   Over 150 academics, from universities across the country (including two of my professors at Queen’s!) signed a joint letter explaining why :“the government’s proposed changes to our election laws are a threat to Canada’s democratic traditions”.  This is a must read.

As a senior advisor to the United Nations, Anita has traveled the globe and learned first-hand the immeasurable value of our Canadian democracy. We need Anita in Parliament for her expertise and to serve as a strong voice for our democratic institutions. Many young Liberals have given our support to Anita as she seeks the Liberal nomination in Ottawa West-Nepean. Keep following the 'Youth For Anita' blog to hear what young people are saying. In the meantime, check out the 'Youth For Anita' Endorsements page.

We need more young people involved in politics, not less. Youth bring energy, passion and creative ideas; which are crucial for the vitality of our democratic processes.  Alienating ourselves from the political process gives the government a license to ignore our concerns and ideas. Voting and volunteering are ways we can make our voices heard, and to ensure that we are well represented by our elected officials. Consider joining Anita’s team as a volunteer, and help make real change in Ottawa West-Nepean.



Youth for Anita: Steven Patterson

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and to say why I'm one of the many young people supporting Anita Vandenbeld for Ottawa West-Nepean. My name is Steven Patterson and I'm  a second year Political Studies student at Queen's University. Politics is  one of the first things I think about when I wake up, and the last thing I'm thinking about when I go to sleep. So its no surprise that I have volunteered on election campaigns before, but Anita  stood out from the start as one of the most committed,  compassionate and thoughtful candidates that I've had the pleasure of meeting.

Anita Vandenbeld is seeking the Liberal Nomination in Ottawa West-Nepean, and I warmly support her candidacy. Anita has a rare blend of  impressive international credentials ,along with the ideal character for someone pursuing public office. To say she's an expert on democracy and human rights is probably an understatement, and her practical experience on the world stage speaks for itself. Beyond that, Anita is friendly, approachable and humble. I know she's in it for the right reasons, and that the people of Ottawa West-Nepean would be well served by her hard work, intelligence and local approach to politics.

Throughout the campaign I will be posting my thoughts on the nomination, political news, information on special events and also sharing the perspectives of other youth who are supporting Anita. Check back here often for updates. I encourage everyone to also check out Anita's Facebook page and official website.

Steven Patterson
Young Liberal
Vice President of External Affairs, Queen's University Liberal Association

- If you'd like to contribute to 'Youth For Anita', or to get involved in the campaign in another way, please email info@electanita.ca or fill out an online volunteer form.



Public Service Alliance of Canada endorses Anita!

http://bit.ly/mB1330

Against a government which has intimidated and fired public servants for doing their job, and whose numbers on public service cuts simply cannot be trusted, Anita has worked hard to listen to Canadian families that rely on the civil service for economy security. She has said she will protect the interests of the thousands of families who work in the public service and who form a huge part of the Ottawa West-Nepean community.

Now, the Public Service Alliance of Canada is recognizing Anita's efforts, endorsing her earlier today:

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is urging its members and the general public to support Liberal candidate Anita Vandenbeld in Ottawa West Nepean when they go out to vote on Monday May 2. The endorsement is the recommendation of the Ottawa Area Council (OAC) of the PSAC.

"Anita supports the union's call for a national childcare program and if elected she is committed to reestablishing pay equity in the public service," said Maria Fitzpatrick, Regional Executive Vice-President of the PSAC for the National Capital Region. "She has promised to protect the public service from cuts, as well as to respect the role that public service workers play across the country."

Vandenbeld wants to stop further corporate tax giveaways to the richest and most profitable corporations and instead wants to use the savings to strengthen our public pension system and our health care system.

There are approximately 59,000 PSAC members in the National Capital Region with over 3,000 living in Ottawa West Nepean
.

With just days left in the campaign, the PSAC endorsement shows Anita has momentum and is the progressive choice in Ottawa West-Nepean
Youth for Anita Vandenbeld
Authorized by the Official Agent for Anita Vandenbeld
Copyright © 2010 Youth for Anita Vandenbeld for Ottawa West-Nepean All rights reserved.