GarniGal's Journal:

I haven't done the whole political post in the past. In large part because I find pushing my political views on the unprepared public to be obnoxious and rude, but also because I don't feel that I have a particularly strong handle on all of the issues.

Even now my intention isn't to explain my views. I know how I am going to vote. I know how I want the election to turn out. That isn't important. What is important, at least to me, is the issues.

Therefore, friends, what do you see as the most important issues in this election? Not only the issues that the ads and reporters tell you are important, but the things that really matter to you. What directions do you want to see the government head in?

For me, important issues are:

Education (increased funding to the provinces, increased funding for post-secondary)
Healthcare (continued and increased support for public hospitals, rural delivery of services)
Social Services (delivery of social assistance via the school system and increased attention/money on the low-income and marginalized groups that risk falling into crime)
Indian Affairs & Northern Development (related to Social Services, but there needs to be better delivery of services and education to the communities marginalized by distance and culture - it's a pet issue of mine)

What about everyone else? I'd be interested in getting the American perspective as well - what matters in your regions, what do you know about the Canadian election?

This isn't a poll. This isn't an attempt to subvert you all to my way of thinking. I just wonder if the campaigns and reporters really know what the people are interested in - because, God knows, the ads I've seen have left me cold.