While waiting for colleagues in Charlottetown last week, an email came our way that was not unexpected but did signal the end of an era.
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, current speaker of the Legislature, informed voters he would not seek election again. After 34 years, nine election cycles and his reputation intact, Arnott will complete a tenure focused on serving all constituents faithfully regardless of ideology.
Satisfying all voters all the time is an impossibility, but he tried. Numerous party leaders came and went while Arnott retained his seat handily in each election. More than one time, voters supported Ted despite his party’s leader. This will make the next election with a new candidate a little more interesting.
Change of course is sweeping the country. The Trudeau Liberals are in serious trouble, with members of his own party demanding he resign. BC is in a quagmire this week with an election too close to call. New Brunswick will see a majority Liberal government after Higg’s Conservatives were shown the door after half a decade in office. Change is in the air.
But what does that mean? What is change?
Flashy slogans and new captains in chairs are superficial things that are different, but don’t address systemic problems every level of government faces. Routing out those in power by punishing incumbents may feel good for some, but it doesn’t automatically advance the cause for taxpayers.
In these hyper-partisan times where elections generate stalemates – like BC or as polling suggests in the United States – voters seem stuck with few options. “Pick one” or “pick anybody but” hardly seems a wise way to vote.
How refreshing it would be to see problem solvers elected with a focus on economic shrewdness, laser-focused attention on issues like health care, senior care, housing and education. Current parties and leaders seem to offer the same old, same old: “Pick me and it will be better.”
Ending the night in Charlottetown a similar sentiment emerged. “Problems can be solved” we postured, only to be told we are a dreamer. Not often quick of wit, we managed to squeak out that old John Lennon line – “But I’m not the only one.”
Canadians coast to coast deserve better, more responsive government and functioning democracies need champions.
As to what’s next, we will have to wait and see.
