The People's Voice

Election Day is upon us and BC, or at least 30% of the eligible voters, are heading to the polls to decide on who should lead us into the next decade and through some of the biggest challenges we have faced in over half a century.

http://www.nodice.ca/elections/britishcolumbia/

As this will be the last time you are forced to sit on the sidelines through an election inquiring minds want to know where you stand.

Task: Visit the following links and do some research (reading) on the various provincial parties and their platforms in order to gain an understanding of the choices voters have. Who do you support, who seems to represent your point of view?

Research the Parties
http://www.studentvote.ca/bc/student/learn.html (click on the parties tab to visit the party websites)

Explore some of the issues and take note of how the different parties stand on the issues that matter to you. What are the big issues for you? Does how a party stand on an issue affect your opinion of them?

Examine the Issues
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/bc-election/issues.html

Finally, surf through some of the news items to gain an understanding of how parties and specific candidates are portrayed in the media. Do you think the media is unbiased and fair in their reporting? Do the media items change your mind about who you support?

The Election and the News
http://www.studentvote.ca/bc/student/learn.html(click on the news tab to access different news sources)

Comment on the above questions, make sure to provide specific examples to support your opinions.

Bonus
Would you vote yes or no in support of the Single Transferable Vote? Explain your reasons.

Visit What is the STV to learn more.

Civil Liberties and You

In October 1970 Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act in response to kidnappings of James Cross and Pierre Laporte by the FLQ.
http://archives.cbc.ca/war_conflict/civil_unrest/topics/101-618/

This gave the police almost unlimited powers in searching out suspected terrorists and suspended many of the civil liberties that are the foundation of a democratic society.

Since the events of the September 11, 2001 we have seen the government gain increasing power and control in their efforts to keep us safe from terrorism.

What rights do you believe in the most? Do think we should give up some of our individual freedoms to ensure our safety and where should we draw the line? Give an example when you have felt your civil liberties or "rights" have been abused.