Episode 24 - The Critically Reflective Citizen of Today and Tomorrow: Canada 2019 Vote

On October 21, 2019 Canadians will cast votes for the next federal leader of Canada.  In this episode, I encourage Canadians to get informed, engage in respectful conversation and get out to vote because voting is a right.  I provide a number of resources to explore to prepare for the upcoming vote.  So please, check the sources, check the images, and check the claims, and stand up to the "Why vote?" meme, because choosing not to vote allows those who do vote to double-down on the weight of their vote.  Let us use our critical thinking skills (i.e. know your bias, suspend judgement and ask questions) so we can make the wise decisions and send the message that we will not fall into the role of "emotionally provoked persuadables."   

Resources:

1) Learn about logical fallacies (i.e. hasty generalizations, appeal to emotions, bandwagon effect, etc.) at these two links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IawIjqOJBU8

2) And: https://thebestschools.org/magazine/15-logical-fallacies-know/

3) Explore the expansion of Democracy from 1816 to 2016 at: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/its-2016-here-is-the-state-of-voting-rights-around/

For voting Canadians:

1) First time voters uncertain of your leanings - check out Vote Compass - Canada Votes 2019 at: https://votecompass.cbc.ca/canada/

2) Feeling like you don't have any clarity about campaign positions go to: https://pollenize.org/en/elections/canada-2019

3) Want to learn about the Canadian Democratic system and how to get ready to cast an informed vote access "classroom resources" at https://studentvote.ca/canada/

Lastly, feeling creative?  If so, before October 21, 2019, make a concrete prediction about the overall voter participation rate (68.5% in 2015) and the final election outcome (i.e. Liberal minority government with surges in the Bloc and NDP?) by putting pen to paper.  It is a healthy way to put those automatic thoughts we have into check and an invitation to be open to surprise. 

Remember, voting makes a difference!  Thank-you for joining me in another "tip of the ice-burg" conversation.  Take care & peace from the Hopeful Humanist, just some guy, attempting to share inspiration and inspire creativity.