Q. I’ve never voted before. What’s the process?
A. The Elections Canada website explains the basics of voting, www.elections.ca. You can also call Elections Canada toll-free at 1-800-463-6868. You need to be 18 and a Canadian citizen to vote. You
should receive a voter information card in the mail prior to the election. This will tell you where to vote.
Q. Why should I vote?
A. Whether we like it or not, politics has a huge impact on our lives. The election on June 28 will decide the next government of Canada. The government passes laws and implements policies that directly affect us, from our health care system, to tuition fees, to the environment, to Canada’s role
internationally. Every vote will count in this election because the opinion polls suggest the final result will be close. It looks like we could have a minority government.
There is another reason why every vote counts this election. Under new financing rules, political parties will receive funds for the next election based on the total number of votes they receive June 28.
Q. How do I find out who the candidates are in my riding?
A. Go to the Elections Canada website and type in your postal code. This will give you the name of your riding (e.g. London-Fanshawe). Candidates are listed by riding on the political parties’ websites, for example, www.ndp.ca.
Q. When is the election?
A. Monday, June 28.
Q. Am I entitled to time off from work to vote?
A. The polls will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Ontario. By law, every employee who is qualified to vote must be given three consecutive hours to do so during polling hours. If the employee’s hours of work do not allow for three consecutive hours, than he or she must be given enough time off to
equal that amount. For example, if you’re scheduled to finish work at 7 p.m., the employer is obliged to let you leave at 6:30 p.m. so you can go and vote. The employer is obliged to pay you as if you worked until 7 p.m.
Q. What is OPSEU’s federal election strategy?
A. Delegates at OPSEU’s Convention in April formally endorsed support for the New Democratic Party. The union is urging all members to vote for the NDP and get active in their local campaigns. For more information, go to http://www.opseu.org/election2004/index.htm |
