Election

Dear Newly Elected MPs

/ Sandi Knight / 1 Comment

It has been one week since the 2025 Federal Election. This is my letter to our representatives across Canada.

Sandi Knight Photo

Dear newly elected or incumbent members of parliament,

Thank you for putting your name forward to run for office. Congratulations on succeeding in capturing the votes and confidence of the people in your riding. I am certain this is not a job you take lightly.

To be in government is to be in service, and throughout your term I hope you, and those working alongside you, always remember you are working for all Canadians. You are responsible for using our hard-earned tax dollars wisely. Government money is our money. Perhaps this should be on doorways, desks and screensavers throughout parliament and every government office.

As you work, please be diligent in providing what Canadians need while being fiscally responsible, just as we must be when providing for our households, businesses, and organizations.

And please, can you bring respect and decorum into Question Period? The yelling and demeaning of others is appalling. Frankly, it is an embarrassment. The last time I was at a question period, there were Girl Guides in the gallery. I wondered what they were thinking as they watched and listened to the unruly display of so-called ‘responsible adults’ at work for their constituents.

This type of behaviour does not solve problems, nor is it tolerated anywhere else. So why is it allowed in government? It must change if we are to progress.

We absolutely need healthy debate, checks and balances. However, it can and should be done with respect and rules. If you disagree with a plan or policy, please state what you see as flaws, then provide an alternate solution.

I truly believe, no matter how people voted, we are all looking for: equitable human rights, affordable housing, groceries, utilities and transportation, access to healthcare, education, clean drinking water, safe, supportive communities and programs which enhance our lives and a vibrant economy.

We are trusting you to do your best to provide all of this throughout your term in office. Please work for us as hard as you campaigned for your position.

Thank you for doing what you can for the strength and betterment of every Canadian, our communities, and our country.

We can, and should, do better

/ Sandi Knight / 1 Comment

The Manitoba Provincial election is April 19th. There aren’t many people enthusiastic about the prospects. As a result, I’ve heard far too many say they won’t be voting.

It is easy to become disillusioned with politics – it is far from a perfect system and power does seem to have a way of eroding values. However, it is a privilege to have the right to vote and our collective voices do make a difference.

Imagine the public outcry if we weren’t allowed to vote. One hundred years ago in Manitoba that was the case for women.

Nellie_McClung-248x300I don’t remember when I first heard of Nellie McClung, maybe grade five or six, but her story made an impact. Novelist, teacher, social reformer and suffragist, she worked tirelessly to bring about change for women in Manitoba and across the country.

Thanks to McClung, in 1916 Manitoba was the first province in Canada to give women the right to vote and run for office. It took until 1919 for the federal government to do the same.

Then in March 1928, a Supreme Court of Canada ruling stated that women were not “qualified persons”. Nellie McClung rose to the occasion, along with Irene Parlby, Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards. The Famous Five fought for change. In October 1929 they won the battle; women were declared “persons” and given equal rights.

They would be appalled to know that today so many chose not to “exercise their franchise”. Voter turnout for the recent provincial election in Saskatchewan was a dismal 56.83 percent. We can, and should, do better.

We have freedom. We have choice. We have the right.

Nellie McClung on loonieSometimes we need to look to our past to be grateful for the present. You don’t have to get involved in politics, but you should be informed and never take the privilege of   having a say for granted. So on April 19th, get out and vote. Let’s quell voter apathy       and take an active part in shaping the future of our province.