I am a single mother of two and currently an intern at The Coast. I enjoy reading and creative writing, and love watching my daughter advance in her basketball talents. Yes, I am a proud basketball mom.

The Coast

Stephen Harper was sworn in as Canada’s 22nd prime minister on February 6, 2006. Nine years later and the only changes that have been made are for the worse. Canada is under attack and we all need to wake up and see the light. Harper’s government makes the city of Halifax the true demographic of the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

There are a lot of Canadians who do not vote, and a small part of me can see the reasons why. Elections are a time when everyone speaks on the drastic changes they plan to make, but for some reason once they have their foot in the door they forget all about it. The biggest question asked is “Why vote for change if it never comes?” Well here is the answer: With the way the world is changing so drastically, why not vote?

As Canadians we complain about Harper and all the changes he has made, but yet we won’t stand as one to make change happen. As an indigenous Canadian, I have grave concerns with Stephen Harper being my prime minister. Now that Bill C-51 has been passed, what will happen to my rights and freedom as a Canadian? Harper’s government enforced this bill, stating: “Terrorists are targeting Canadians simply because they despise our society and the values it represents.” Really? I do not believe for one minute Canadians are the target. If anything, Harper, you are.

As a prime minister you are supposed to have the best interest of your whole country at heart, not just what’s best for you. In your nine years you have managed to create a war and are still attempting to divide a country that once stood together as a whole. With Harper giving all the benefits to the wealthy, what then happens to the under-privileged? As I look around my neighbourhood and see gentrification expanding at its best, I continue to ask myself “Is this really what the government is spending taxpayers’ money on?” Building expensive condos in low-income areas—why not use that same amount of time and money to create more living space for the homeless or even creating more jobs for single mothers and convicted felons?

Harper’s government expects everyone to be working and adding to the economy. This could be challenging considering most employers will not hire someone who has convictions, no matter how big or small. Many young Canadians have already been convicted of possession of a single joint and that will follow them for life. Everyone makes mistakes. That said, money is being dished out to help those who come here in need of shelter and assistance—which is always a good thing. I am all for helping those in need. But Harper I ask you this: What about your fellow Canadians who need help? The homeless who need shelter?

Is this the kind of economy we want our children to be raised in? No! What is this teaching our children, that if a person has more money or status than the next, that they are better? We are all human, no matter what your yearly income is.

Canada needs a different approach and a different kind of change—not Harper’s change. One small voice might not make a huge difference, but if we all stand as a whole city, eventually change will happen. Election day is October 19. If you have not yet registered to vote, please do. Your voice will make the difference. Change starts at home with us!