Voters apathetic, angry, bored

But want change. Montrealers' attention focused more on U.S. race

JULIA KILPATRICK

The Gazette

Monday, September 08, 2008

Canadians will elect their next prime minister in only five weeks, but many voters say they can't tear their attention away from the U.S. presidential race long enough to make an informed selection.

"To be honest, I don't know what's going on in this election campaign," said Zaz Robinson, a music producer. "I'm so focused on what's going on across ... the United States, with Obama and McCain."

The Gazette spoke to voters in downtown Montreal yesterday about their satisfaction with the current government, and what they want from the next one. Many complained that, compared to the U.S., Canadian politics are globally insignificant - or just plain "boring."

"I see a whole population (of) people who are apathetic about politics, and I'd rather see somebody who inspires people to make changes," said Julie Pattee, a young mother who said she would be choosing a candidate based on his or her commitment to social issues, such as housing.

Most of those who said they are following the Canadian race said they would like to see a change in governance, but they didn't have a lot a confidence in the alternatives.

Carmela Guerrera said she is "happy in the sense that (the Conservative government) has started looking at economic issues and environmental (issues), however ... it really needs to ... concentrate a lot more. I would enjoy if it was a majority government so that whoever gets on would have a little more control, a little more power."

"On the opposition side, we don't have a good leader," said Robert Talbolt, a middle-aged resident of Ville-Marie. "That's probably why Mr. Harper is going to be re-elected. The Liberals are weak ... it's going to be hard to vote."

Others pointed to Harper's cuts to spending on arts and culture, his position on Afghanistan, and his efforts to control media coverage as reasons they would not be voting Conservative in this election.

"Anything but Stephen Harper - that's imperative," Areil Peltier said. "If ever it's a majority, it's going to be terrible. Now it's a minority, and it's just borderline acceptable."

Most voters said they would be ignoring their usual allegiances and examining each party's platform carefully before making their choice on Oct. 14.

"I watch for tax cutting, prudent management, environmental issues, job creation ... promoting our export market - things like that," said Carla Piringer, a receptionist at a law firm. "You can't really pick one issue and say it's more important than the other. There needs to be an equilibrium."