While Monday night’s election and the preceding marathon campaign are still very fresh in our memories, it’s important for everyone to take stock of the results and move on.
You may not be happy with having Justin Trudeau as our next prime minister, but that’s the reality we all face for the next four years (perhaps less, depending on how things go).
One thing that stood out for us this campaign was that so-called “attack ads” became a powerful tool for the very individuals/parties that previously criticized the ads as somehow being immoral and unfair.
Locally, we found it ironic that some residents outraged by political attack ads were among those who felt compelled to write vitriolic letters unfit for print that attacked whichever candidate or party did not suit their fancy.
We wonder if that is a byproduct of this very lengthy and unique campaign, or a reflection of the growing trend of feigned or perceived indignation that now dominates such discussions. Disturbingly, it’s no longer enough for some people to disagree with others; instead they jump right to being outraged and/or offended by views different from their own.
Regardless, we think residents in the two ridings in Wellington County will be well represented by their new Members of Parliament.
In Wellington-Halton Hills, it was little surprise that Michael Chong was re-elected by a wide margin. Whether or not one supports his party, Chong has served this area and its residents with class and professionalism since first being elected to Parliament in 2004. He has held several important cabinet positions over the years, yet has never shied away from abandoning partisanship to go it alone on matters of personal import. We expect nothing will change.
We are not as familiar with John Nater, but everything we have heard about him seems to indicate he will be a fine MP for the riding of Perth-Wellington. He will have some time to prove or disprove that supposition, and we will eagerly follow his progression.
Everyone who ran in this election deserves our gratitude; win or lose, it’s no easy task. As is always the case, not everyone will be pleased with the results. But the people have (finally) spoken. It’s time to move forward.
