Decision time is coming. Please vote!

(Credit Ron Pogue)

Canadians go to the polls to elect a new federal government on October 19. We're all faced with an important decision at a critical time in the history of our country and the world. A diverse range of people and organizations around the world are calling on leaders to deal with some serious problems we have created, including climate change and growing inequality. From Pope Francis to the International Monetary Fund to corporate leaders and thinkers to citizens everywhere, recognition is increasing that we can't continue down the same destructive path.

I've seen a lot in my 80 years. After studying in the U.S. for eight years and receiving job offers from several American universities, I returned to Canada in 1962. I was bothered by racism in the U.S., although I found that Canada also shares those problems, especially when it comes to treatment of aboriginal peoples. But I appreciated Canada's health care system and other social programs, as well as equalization payments between provinces, and the CBC and National Film Board. They made Canada different from the U.S. and I preferred it.

Because my Canadian-born parents, and First Nations people, couldn't vote until 1948 and 1960, respectively, I have always regarded the ability to vote as the most precious right in a democracy. But that right is accompanied by a responsibility to be well-informed and to take part in the political process. As a charitable organization, the David Suzuki Foundation can't offer advice on where to place your vote. But we want to encourage everyone to become informed and to question local candidates and leaders about their policies on key issues. Find out which parties have the best and most realistic policies to deal with issues like climate change, pollution, protection of waterways and ecosystems, Indigenous rights and social justice.

As a northern country with the longest marine coastline of any nation, Canada is especially vulnerable to climate change. A growing body of research shows that addressing the problem will also improve the health of citizens and provide numerous benefits to the economy. Failing to act could be costly in many ways, with impacts on human health, agriculture, water resources and the economy. This is where governments need to think beyond the four-year election cycle. Canada needs a national energy strategy and a viable plan to deal with greenhouse

gas emissions.

Regardless of your political leanings, you should encourage your candidates to take these matters seriously. No matter which party forms government after October 19, it's up to us to ensure that it puts the interests of citizens first.

Voters like you will choose the direction the country takes. You can even help shape this election before Election Day by signing up for the David Suzuki Foundation's voter pledge. Please make sure to vote!

By David Suzuki

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