The 57th New Brunswick General Election is upon us without a clear front runner and we've got lots to mull over about our future.
Unprovoked, I’ve had long time faithful Liberals say they would vote Green. When a retired Albert resident who’s husband raised hogs and who’s family continued in the beef business had told me she’d vote Green or spoil her ballot, I decided I would see to it she had the opportunity to vote Green. I’m aware that people can step out of conventional thinking when in the company of unconventional thinking, but I’m confident it’s genuine. And all sorts of people are saying the same things.
Albert is a unique riding. Recall the COR party. A green vote no matter the caliber or riding makes a statement. New Brunswick’s vested interests are clearly not in sea change, and the front-runners in the election aren’t talking about this with its citizens. However, accountability and breaking the cycle are a big part of the weight on voter’s minds in my opinion. We’ve got a good thing going in Albert, but those willing to make a statement by ‘throwing their vote to the Greens’ are asking for a greater stake in NB’s future.
In my experience government lead involvement of NBers exists at the bottom of the scale, with rural planning, with resources, with community development. At the bottom is placation and slightly better is keeping us informed. At the top is partnering and engaging participation. For example, youth want a seat at the table in this province. Not just a handshake and a “welcome aboard”. It was a little more than a year ago that an exceptional cluster of New Brunswicks from the Fundy region attended a Youth Forum hosted by Fundy Enterprise in Picadilly. The event netted energetic discussion and timely debate facilitated around youth questions. Some of the things I took from the discussion include the need for increased opportunity (and not just the paid kind) and feeling valued, an unease (even knowledge deficit) surrounding the structure of rural local government, a shroud of conservatives and apathy. These continue to be timely. You can help by voting Green.
My experiences in municipal government and ‘keeping my ear to the S. NB ground’ have hardened my case for a need for action to address what is ‘unique’ about NB’s political climate. In the last few moments leading up to casting your ballots, please use your informed opinion, plus a view of the future NB landscape, to make your decisions. Don’t succumb to an inclination to be on the winning team. It’s time for action. “Tossing” your vote away to the Greens is a way to take that action.
